is nothing. I don't suppose there's a bottle of wine in the
cellar."

"They can get wine from Cobbold, mother."

"Cobbold's wine won't go down with them I fancy. I wonder what
servants they're bringing."

When Mr. Masters came in from his office the news was corroborated.
Mr. John Morton was certainly coming to Bragton. The attorney had
still a small unsettled and disputed claim against the owner of the
property, and he had now received by the day mail an answer to a
letter which he had written to Mr. Morton, saying that that
gentleman would see him in the course of the next fortnight.



CHAPTER VIII

The Paragon's Party at Bragton


There was certainly a great deal of fuss made about John Morton's
return to the home of his ancestors,--made altogether by himself
and those about him, and not by those who were to receive him. On
the Thursday in the week following that of which we have been
speaking, two carriages from the Bush met the party at the Railway
Station and took them to Bragton. Mr. Runciman, after due
consideration, put up with the inconsiderate nature of the order
given, and supplied the coaches and horses as required,--consoling