power to add to the liveliness of this part of the world. And I do
not think I shall stay much longer at Cumber.'

Milly glanced up at him with a surprised look.

'Mrs. Collingwood told us you were quite settled at the Priory,' she
said, 'and that you intended to spend the rest of your days as a
country squire.'

'I may have dreamed such a dream sometimes, Miss Darrell; but there
are dreams that never fulfil themselves.'

He had recovered himself by this time, and spoke in his accustomed
tone. Mr. Darrell asked him to dinner on an early day, when I knew
the Rectory people were coming to us, and the invitation was
accepted.

Julian Stormont had followed Mrs. Darrell in from the terrace, and
had remained in the background, a very attentive listener and
observer during the conversation that followed.

'So that is Angus Egerton,' he said, when our visitor had left us.

'Yes, Julian. O, by the bye, I forgot to introduce you; you came in
so quietly,' answered Mr. Darrell.

'I can't say I particularly care about the honour of knowing that
gentleman,' said Mr. Stormont in a half-contemptuous tone.

'Why not?' Milly asked quickly.