which had been set aside for their education by their father at her
death, after which, beyond providing them with a home--the ramshackle
inheritance that had come to him from his father--he had made little
further provision for them. His eldest son, Rupert, was a subaltern in a
line regiment. No one knew whether he lived on his pay or not, and no one
inquired. The second son, who possessed undeniable brilliance, had earned
a scholarship, and was studying medicine. And Noel, now aged sixteen, was
still at school, distinguishing himself at sports and consistently
neglecting all things that did not pertain thereto.

Undoubtedly they were a reckless and improvident family, as Mrs. Forest
so often declared; but perhaps, all things considered, they had never had
much opportunity of developing any other qualities, though it was
certainly hard that she should be regarded as in any degree responsible
for them. She and her brother had always been as far asunder as the poles
in disposition, and neither had ever felt or so much as professed to feel
the faintest affection for the other.

It vexed her that Jack and Hilda should take so lively an interest in
Chris, who was bound to turn out badly. Had she not already shown herself
to be incorrigibly flighty? But since it vexed her still more that anyone
should regard her actions as blameworthy, she had yielded to their
persuasions. And thus Chris had been given her chance.

She was thoroughly appreciating it. Everyone was being kind to her, and
it was all extremely pleasant. She was looking forward keenly to the
coming that morning of Trevor Mordaunt, who had been regarded as a
privileged friend ever since he had smuggled Cinders back into England
three years before, secreted in an immense pocket in the lining of a
great motor-coat. Not that she had seen very much of him since that