of which she knew him to be capable. He first went up to the old
lady, and to her his greeting was pleasant enough. Harry Heathcote,
though he had assumed the bush mode of dressing, still retained the
manners of a high-bred gentleman in his intercourse with women. Then,
turning sharply round, he gave his hand to Mr. Medlicot.

"I am glad to see you at Gangoil," he said; "I was not fortunate
enough to be at home when you called the other day. Mrs. Medlicot
must have found the drive very hot, I fear."

His wife was still looking into his face, and was reading there, as
in a book, the mingled pride and disdain with which her husband
exercising civility to his enemy. Harry's countenance wore a look not
difficult of perusal, and Medlicot could read the lines almost as
distinctly as Harry's wife.

"I have asked Mrs. Medlicot to stay and dine with us," she said, "so
that she may have it cool for the drive back."

"I am almost afraid of the bush at night," said the old woman.

"You'll have a full moon," said Harry; "it will be as light as day."
So that was settled. Heathcote thought it odd that the man whom he
regarded as his enemy, whom he had left at their last meeting in
positive hostility, should consent to accept a dinner under his roof;
but that was Medlicot's affair, not his.

They dined at seven, and after dinner strolled out into the horse
paddock, and down to the creek. As they started, the three men went
first, and the ladies followed them; but Bates soon dropped behind.