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the hats, and continued sewing busily until the gong sounded for dinner, and she made her way down to the dining-room.

She was just finishing her fish when she looked up to see Ralston and his wife, and Nell Brunton, enter the room. Mrs. Ralston caught sight of her, nodded, and then crossed to her table.

“What are you doing here all by yourself?” she asked. “Taking a holiday?”

“Not exactly,” said Ann. “Mrs. Holmes hasn’t been very well, and has gone away for a trip. The children are at Mrs. Marley’s.”

Edith Ralston looked surprised.

“Rather sudden, wasn’t it? Vera never said anything about going away during the tournament.”

“She always makes up her mind quickly,” replied Ann.

“And what are you going to do? Shall you be returning to Tirau later?”

Ann shook her head.

“As a matter of fact, I’m thinking of starting a hat shop.”

“Here? In Wairiri?”

“Yes. Do you think there’s an opening for one?”

“Rather! You’ll make your fortune, I expect.”

Ann laughed.

“That’s what I’m aiming at. But I find expenses—rent and things—much higher than I thought they would be.”

“Will your shop be open before Race Week?”

“I don’t know when that is.”

“The Wairiri Jockey Club has a two days’ meeting at the end of this month, and the Turf Club another