CHAPTER V--THE WHITE WORM


Mr. Salton introduced Adam to Mr. Watford and his grand-daughters, and
they all moved on together. Of course neighbours in the position of the
Watfords knew all about Adam Salton, his relationship, circumstances, and
prospects. So it would have been strange indeed if both girls did not
dream of possibilities of the future. In agricultural England, eligible
men of any class are rare. This particular man was specially eligible,
for he did not belong to a class in which barriers of caste were strong.
So when it began to be noticed that he walked beside Mimi Watford and
seemed to desire her society, all their friends endeavoured to give the
promising affair a helping hand. When the gongs sounded for the banquet,
he went with her into the tent where her grandfather had seats. Mr.
Salton and Sir Nathaniel noticed that the young man did not come to claim
his appointed place at the dais table; but they understood and made no
remark, or indeed did not seem to notice his absence.

Lady Arabella sat as before at Edgar Caswall's right hand. She was
certainly a striking and unusual woman, and to all it seemed fitting from
her rank and personal qualities that she should be the chosen partner of
the heir on his first appearance. Of course nothing was said openly by
those of her own class who were present; but words were not necessary
when so much could be expressed by nods and smiles. It seemed to be an
accepted thing that at last there was to be a mistress of Castra Regis,
and that she was present amongst them. There were not lacking some who,
whilst admitting all her charm and beauty, placed her in the second rank,
Lilla Watford being marked as first. There was sufficient divergence of
type, as well as of individual beauty, to allow of fair comment; Lady