UPSET. 123 



called on business to London, and, hearing that, 

 Lady Selstead, one of the kindest women in the 

 world, every one's friend, and something more 

 than a friend to Mabel, had begged that the girl 

 might spend a week at the Towers, What to 

 do with Mabel had been a perplexing point, and 

 the invitation was gladly accepted on her behalf ; 

 for Lady Selstead had very judiciously omitted 

 to mention anything whatever about steeple- 

 chases, regimental cups, or to add that a letter 

 was to be sent to Clive Herries to say that she 

 and Sir Henry would be delighted to see him 

 at the Towers whenever he could manage to call 

 and dine. 



In truth, Mabel had told all her hopes and 

 fears to her friend, whose tender heart was 

 deeply moved, for threescore years of life had 

 not in the least blunted her sympathies or 

 deadened her ever-ready benevolence. Such 

 comfort as she could bestow had been heartily 

 accorded, and Mabel felt her confidence partially 

 revive in this pleasant and kindly companion- 

 ship ; though ever and anon the thought of that 

 dreadful little brown horse which would not be 

 shaken o& came to disturb her. 



Luncheon was in progress here and on the 

 neighbouring drags, and Sir Henry's hospitality 

 was warmly appreciated, as the popping of iu- 



