"I am afraid I put you wrong," said the Baron. "If it had not been for me you would no doubt have backed Mr. Chesney's horse."
"You must not blame yourself for that. I am quite satisfied," she said.
"You would have been more satisfied had the Baron's horse won," said
Alan.
"Naturally; I backed it."
"Not for that reason alone," answered Alan, as he walked away and joined Ella and her father.
"He leaves me for Ella always," thought Eve with a pang, "and yet I do not think he cares for her that way. I believe he half loves me. I'll put him to the test one of these days, it's worth the risk; nothing venture, nothing have—an old saying which often comes true."
When Alan returned to Trent Park he found Duncan Fraser waiting for him and at once knew there was something important to communicate. Fraser looked serious as he said:
"I hope you had an enjoyable time at Ascot?"
"Yes; won the Hunt Cup and another race. Made a few thousands in the meeting," said Alan.
"There'll be war in little over a month," said Fraser.