" said he in his quiet, easy manner. "My name is
Bellew," he went on to explain, "I am an American, without family or
friends, here, there or anywhere, and with nothing in the world to do
but follow the path of the winds. Indeed, I am rather a solitary fellow,
at least--I was, until I met my nephew Porges here. Since then, I've
been wondering if there would be--er--room for such as I, at
Dapplemere?"

"Oh, there would be plenty of room," said Anthea, hesitating, and
wrinkling her white brow, for a lodger was something entirely new in her
experience.

"As to my character," pursued Bellew, "though something of a vagabond, I
am not a rogue,--at least, I hope not, and I could pay--er--four or five
pounds a week--"

"Oh!" exclaimed Anthea, with a little gasp.

"If that would be sufficient--"

"It is--a great deal too much!" said Anthea who would have scarcely
dared to ask three.

"Pardon me!--but I think not." said Bellew, shaking his head, "you see,
I am--er--rather extravagant in my eating,--eggs, you know, lots of 'em,
and ham, and beef, and--er--(a duck quacked loudly from the vicinity of
a neighbouring pond),--certainly,--an occasional duck! Indeed, five
pounds a week would scarcely--"

"Three would be ample!" said Anthea with a little nod of finality.

"Very well," said Bellew, "we'll make it four, and have done with it."

Anthea Devine, being absolute mistress of Dapplemere, was in the habit
of exerting her authority, and having her own way in most things;
therefore, she glanced up, in some surprise, at this tall, dusty, rather
lazy looking personage; and she noticed, even as had Small Porges, that
he was indeed very big and wide; she noticed also that, despite the easy
courtesy of his manner, and the quizzical light of his gray eyes, his
chin was very square, and that, despite his gentle voice, he had the air
of one who meant exactly what he said. Nevertheless she was much
inclined to take issue with him upon the matter; plainly observing
which, Bellew smiled, and shook his head.

"Pray be reasonable," he said in his gentle voice, "if you send me away
to some horrible inn or other, it will cost me--being an American,
--more than that every week, in tips and things,--so let's shake hands
on it, and call it settled," and he held out his hand to her.

Four pounds a week! It would be a veritable God-send just at present,
while she was so hard put to it to make both ends meet. Four pounds a
week! So Anthea s