prejudiced against him; and one can't explain away that kind of
thing in a letter.'

'You would find it very difficult to explain away my dislike of
Angus Egerton, either in or out of a letter. Have you seen much of
him?'

'A good deal. He has been at the Rectory very often when Mary and I
have been invited there. The Collingwoods are very fond of him. I am
sure--I think--you will like him, papa, when you come to see a little
of him. He is going to call upon you.'

'He can come if he pleases,' Mr. Darrell answered with an
indifferent air; 'I shall not be uncivil to him. But I am rather
sorry that he has made such a favourable impression upon you,
Milly.'

She was still playing with the buttons of his coat, looking
downward, her dark eyes quite veiled by their long lashes.

'I did not say that, papa,' she murmured shyly.

'But I am sure of it from your manner. Has he done anything towards
the improvement of Cumber?'

'O yes; he has put new roofs to some part of the stables; and the
land is in better order, they say; and the gardens are kept nicely
now.'

'Does he live alone at the Priory?'