At this part of the conversation the subject of it entered the room, and whilst Freda’s colour rose higher and higher, and she stooped more closely over her drawing, Miss Nugent got up and greeted him with great delight.  Freda made up her mind not to speak, that she might listen to the conversation that ensued.

’Are all the preparations progressing, Miss Nugent?  What are we to do to celebrate the great event?’ asked the colonel.

’There ith to be an oxth roathed for the poor people, and tea on the lawn, and a ball in the evening, you know, colonel.’

’Oh, yes, I am looking forwards to that, and to the first dance.  Remember you promised me.’

‘Oh, yeth, I am thure of plenty of partnerth.’

’I should imagine so.  We men must have very bad taste if we let you sit down.  Did you walk here this morning?’

’No, I rode.  The hortheth are taken round.  I have been here a long time with Freda.  It ith thuch a nice morning, ithn’t it, Colonel Vaughan?’

’Delightful!  What do you mean to do when you are your own mistress?  I quite fancy how grand you will feel when you have struck the magic hour.’

‘I darethay I thall be jutht the thame, unleth I get married.’

Freda glances up, and perceives a smile of amusement on Colonel Vaughan’s lips, and the usual calm inanity on Miss Nugent’s handsome features.

‘That will depend on yourself, I am sure,’ said the colonel.

Freda looks again, and sees the colonel’s magnificent eyes fixed on the young lady, who returns his glance, and simpers out,—­

‘I darethay it will.’

Colonel Vaughan turns suddenly, and encounters Freda’s glance.

’How does the drawing get on Freda?  Capitally!  What a sky! quite artistic.’

This is said whilst looking over Freda’s shoulder, but she does not respond to the remark.

’I wath jutht thaying I with I could draw.  It mutht be thuth a nithe amuthement.’

’Very.  How is Lady Mary, to-day?  I am ashamed to say I forgot to ask for her.’

’Very well, thank you.  The thaid you promithed to come over and help to arrange the decorationth.  I hope you will.’

’Thank you, yes.  Perhaps Miss Gwynne will ride over with me to-morrow; will you, Freda?’

‘I am engaged to-morrow,’ said Freda shortly.

‘You will come at any rate, if Freda won’t?’ said Miss Nugent; ’the alwayth thayth the ith engaged when we athk her.  Now, don’t be engaged on Thurthday.  I muth go now; will you be tho kind ath to ring for the hortheth, Colonel Vaughan?’

The horses were ordered, and the colonel assisted the young heiress to mount.  She looked remarkably well on horseback, and even Freda was obliged to allow that she and her grey mare would have made a fine equestrian statue.  She saw Colonel Vaughan look at her, and even watch her down the drive.  When he returned to the drawing-room, he said,—­