"I don't know whether you are a reader, Dr. Anstice," he said, "but if
so, and you're short of reading matter, don't hesitate to borrow some of
our books. We've all sorts, eh, Iris?"

"Thanks very much. I'm not a great reader--haven't time; but your books
look rather alluring," said Anstice, with a smile.

"We'll have a look round after tea," returned his host. "In the meantime
pass your cup--this weather makes one thirsty."

After tea he rose and invited the younger man to scrutinize the shelves.
Somewhat to his surprise Anstice found that the Greengates collection of
books was a most comprehensive one, whole sections being devoted to
science, biography, travel and so on; and he was fortunate enough to
discover two recent biological works, which, owing to their somewhat
prohibitive price, he had hitherto been unable to obtain.

"Like to borrow those tomes?" Sir Richard had noted the expression in
his guest's face as he handled the volumes. "Well, take them, and
anything else you like. No, I confess I don't care much about books
myself. Most of these were my father's choice--he was a bit of a student
in his later years, and my sister likes to keep up with the times and
lets the booksellers send down books as they used to do. But you're
welcome to any of 'em, I assure you."

He led his guest round the room, pointing out one or two favourites of
his own; and while they were thus engaged, Iris, who had been feeding
three lively Airedales with scraps of cake, came up to Anstice with
outstretched hand.

"Will you excuse me, Dr. Anstice? I must go and get ready for church--we
have service early here, you know."

Immediately Anstice attempted to take his own departure, fearing he had
outstayed his welcome; but Sir Richard positively refused to let him go.

"No, no, don't hurry away. Stay and keep me company for a little
while--my man can easily run you over in the car presently."

So it came about that after watching Iris' departure the two men turned
back into the house, where Sir Richard led his visitor to his own cosy
smoking-room and handed him a cigar.

"Light up," he said genially, "and try that chair. Dr. Anstice, now that
my little girl has left us, I want to say something to you--to ask you a
question, in fact."

Rather taken aback, Anstice expressed his willingness to answer any
questions his host thought fit to ask; and Sir Richard plunged at once
into the heart of the matter.

"I understand from Iris