"I believe that is why he was glad when I chose Random," said Irene, as she walked to the door and quickly mounted Rupert.
"If any letters come, shall I send them to Hazelwell?" asked Martha.
"No," replied Irene; then added quickly, as she thought of the mysterious Felix Hoffman, "on second thoughts, perhaps you had better do so, but I may ride over again in a day or two. Mr. Courtly writes that he will not be back for a week."
She rode quickly away, and Martha Dixon watched her until she was out of sight.
"I have nothing to say against Mr. Warren," muttered Martha, as she shut the door, "but I wish Mr. Ulick had not got into a mess. She'd have been happier with him, although I say it, as shouldn't."
CHAPTER V.
HONEYSUCKLE'S FOAL.
It was New Year's Eve, and Eli Todd was passing through a series of varying emotions. A stranger watching him might, with considerable excuse, have put him down as a lunatic. No sooner was he comfortably seated in his armchair by the cosy fire than he jumped up again suddenly, seized his hat, and dashed out into the wintry night.