by Jim Hayward at this time; and the next morning he started with
great pleasure, in his best business suit of clothes. By eleven
o'clock he and his horse and cart had arrived on the Baron's
premises, and the lime was deposited where directed; an exceptional
spot, just within view of the windows of the south front.

Baron von Xanten, pale and melancholy, was sauntering in the sun on
the slope between the house and the all-the-year-round. He looked
across to where Jim and the gardener were standing, and the identity
of Hayward being established by what he brought, the Baron came down,
and the gardener withdrew.

The Baron's first inquiries were, as Jim had been led to suppose they
would be, on the exterminating effects of lime upon slugs and snails
in its different conditions of slaked and unslaked, ground and in the
lump. He appeared to be much interested by Jim's explanations, and
eyed the young man closely whenever he had an opportunity.

'And I hope trade is prosperous with you this year,' said the Baron.

'Very, my noble lord,' replied Jim, who, in his uncertainty on the
proper method of address, wisely concluded that it was better to err
by giving too much honour than by giving too little. 'In short,
trade is looking so well that I've become a partner in the firm.'

'Indeed; I am glad to hear it. So now you are settled in life.'

'Well, my lord; I am hardly settled, even now. For I've got to
finish it--I mean, to get married.'