CHAPTER X.

ENCHANTMENT.


Sedgwick and Browning had now been several days in London. Every day they
had been riding and driving--seeing the sights. One morning at breakfast
Jack mentioned that it was Tuesday; that next day would be the annual
celebrated Derby Wednesday; that he had made arrangements for as many to
go as could get away. The number was finally limited to four--Grace and
Rose, Jack and Jim.

This was talked over, and so soon as the arrangements were determined
upon, Jack proposed that when the race should be over, instead of coming
back to London, they should go on beyond Surrey, down to the seashore in
Sussex, where an old uncle of Rose's resided, for a few days' visit. This
was, after some discussion, agreed upon; whereupon Jack rose and went out
to make a few needed little preparations; the young ladies followed to do
some shopping, while Sedgwick went to his room to write some letters.

He finished his letters and was going out, when he met Mrs. Hamlin in the
hall. She greeted him and asked him to sit down a moment, saying she
wanted to talk with him. He swung a chair around for Mrs. Hamlin, and
when she was seated he took another chair opposite, saying: "Is there
anything particular this morning, madam, which you desire to talk about?"
The old lady looked at him a moment, then said:

"Mr. Sedgwick, I have noticed that since you came to my house you seem to
be worried, as though this London roar and confusion oppressed you; and