people who wake up suddenly in middle life, and realise that if
they had gone out into the world they would have done better; but I
like Cambridge; you can do as you like here--and then the rainfall
is low."

Howard went back to his rooms and wrote a short note to Mrs. Graves
to suggest a visit; he added that he felt ashamed of himself for
never coming, "but Monica says that you would like to see me, and
Monica is generally right."

That evening Jack came in to say good-bye. He did not look forwards
to the vacation at all, he said; "Windlow is simply the limit! I
believe it's the dullest place in the kingdom!"

"What would you feel if I told you that we shall probably meet?"
said Howard. "I am going to stay with Mrs. Graves--that is, if she
will have me. I don't mind saying that the fact that you are close
by is a considerable reason why I think of going."

"That's simply splendid!" said Jack; "we will have no end of a
time. Do you DO anything in particular--fish, I mean, or shoot?
There's some wretched fishing in the river, and there is some
rabbit-shooting on the downs. Mrs. Graves has a keeper, a shabby
old man who shoots, as they say, for the house. I believe she
objects to shooting; but you might persuade her, and we could go
out together."

"Yes," said Howard, "I do shoot and fish in a feeble way. We will
see what can be done."