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got back to the cars the hounds had killed, and the riders had pulled up their winded horses. Stephanie galloped up to the Buick, and greeted her mother and Mrs. Ford. Holmes had collected Biddy and Jo, and was moving away towards his own—or rather, Waring’s—car.

“Granny, I’ve asked Mr. Marsh to dinner tonight,” said Stephanie. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Mrs. Ford looked a little doubtful.

“My dear———”

“Granddad knows him. He likes him.”

“Yes, but———”

Stephanie’s pretty face clouded over.

“You told me I could bring any one I liked home with me.”

“What do you say, Rhoda?"

“It’s all right, I suppose. Apparently he went everywhere in Hawkeston.”

“Granny, don’t be a snob—I’ve met him at the Garlands.”

Mrs. Ford and Rhoda conferred in low tones. Ann moved away from the side of the car. She did not want to hear this discussion. But apparently it ended to Stephanie’s complete satisfaction, for she called out, “Right-o!” cheerfully, and galloped off to rejoin the other riders.

Holmes had come forward towards Ann.

“We’re going to push off shortly,” he said. “I promised Mrs. Marley I’d get the children home early. I’m taking them back to Tirau tomorrow. Waring’s married couple are with me for three weeks, while he’s in Wellington, and he’s lent me his car.”

“That’s nice of him,” she said.

“Yes, he’s been a brick all through.”