house. The old lady was in very feeble health, and lived the most retired life possible. She very rarely came to the big house, but Frank, who was devoted to his mother, spent the greater part of his evenings with her, and always lunched at the cottage when he was not out on the run. People watched them as they went across, and Elsie wondered what Blake would think, for she knew it would be said that this was a visit of an affianced pair. The thought made her cheeks burn, but gave her at the same time a little thrill of triumph, for she knew that Lady Garfit would be annoyed.
Mrs. Hallett was sitting in her verandah, looking at the sunset, which was gorgeous over Mount Luya, and watching the stir and bustle at the Head Station. She was a handsome old woman, with hard features and snow-white hair. She had a vacant smile, which contrasted oddly with her otherwise severe face. Her brain was weakened a little, and it was for this reason that she did not mix much with the world; moreover she was not fond of Mrs. Jem.
She stroked Elsie's dress, and looked at her with her blank smile, which was pathetic in its vacuity.
"You're a bonny creature," she said. "It's a pity you're so frivolous. I believe your sister is worth two of you."
"Mother!" exclaimed Frank.
"But you're quite right, Mrs. Hallett," said Elsie. "Ina is worth a hundred of me."
"It's a pity you let her marry that fliberty-gibbet of a lord," said Mrs. Hallett, "but you've been badly brought up, and that's what I'm always telling Frank. I remember your mother quite well, when your father was alive, and scab inspector on the Luya. She was a pretty woman too, and you're like her; but she hadn't a great deal of sense, and I think you take after her."
"Really, Mrs. Hallett, I think it is very unkind of you to bring me here to scold me, and abuse my mother," said Elsie with a laugh. "But now, won't you forgive me, and wish me a merry evening? See, I've brought you a rose."
The girl knelt down, and tendered her little offering with
