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self to look at the whole affair in a sensible, friendly fashion!

Very few of the “coast” families had come down for the autumn meeting, but Nell Brunton was staying in town, and Harry Kent—the young man who had devoted himself to Ann at the Omoana races—was also on the course. As soon as he caught sight of Ann he moved across to speak to her, and remained im attendance for the greater part of the day. Robin Ashby, whom Ann had met at the Ford’s house, was also among the race-goers. He, too, was friendly and attentive. Ann had no desire to flirt with either of them, but it was not unpleasant to be admired and popular, and she liked them both. She liked, too, the girls and the young married women who received her in such a kindly fashion, and made her feel at home amongst them all.

The scene was much the same as it had been at the summer mecting. The sun shone as brightly, though not so warmly; the women’s dresses were as attractive, though not so gay and light in texture; the flower beds at the foot of the stand were as full of blooms, though now dahlias and chrysanthemums replaced the roses and tali blue delphiniums; the horses in the saddling paddock were as sleek and shining, and the colors of the jockey’s caps and jackets as vivid and brilliant as before. Little was changed. Yet there was one difference of which Ann was acutely aware. Rodney Marsh seemed to have taken his place quite naturally amongst those whom he had once described as “a different crowd.” He was accepted as one of them now. He had met various Wairiri residents at the Hawkeston polo tournament—others in the hunting field. Apparently most of the girls knew him. Ann