ng garments
with a tendency toward a horsey cut. His head was large, and his thick
hair suggested a wig, for two curly locks were brushed forward and
brought over the front of the ears, and at the summit of the forehead was
a wonderful curl that would not have disgraced a hair-dresser's window
block. Faultless and trim, with glistening black eyes that were ever
wandering discreetly, he was the embodiment of alert watchfulness. He
could efface himself utterly at times, and would stand in the background
of the bedchamber, almost out of sight, and as still as if turned to
stone.

Interviews with Herresford were generally carried on in Trimmer's
presence, but, although the old man frequently referred to Trimmer in his
arguments and quarrels, the valet acutely avoided asserting himself
beyond the bounds of the strictest decorum while visitors were present.
But, when they were gone, Trimmer's iron personality showed itself in a
quiet hectoring, which made him the other's master. Mr. Trimmer was
financially quite independent of his employer's ill humors. He was
wealthy, and his name was mentioned by the other servants with 'bated
breath. He was the owner of three saloons which he had bought from time
to time. In short, Mr. Trimmer was a moneyed man. His was one of those
strange natures which work in grooves and cannot get out of them. Nothing
but the death of Herresford would persuade him to break the continuity of
his service. His master might storm, and threaten, and dismiss him. It
always came to nothing. Mr. Trimmer went on as usual, treating the miser
as a child, and administering his affairs, both financial and domestic,
with an iron hand.

Never before had he taken a holiday, and on his return there was much
anxiety. The servants at the Hall had hoped that he was really
discharged, at last. But no, he came back, smiling sardonically, and, as
he entered the front door--not the servants' entrance--his eye roved
everywhere in search of backsliding. Mrs. Ripon met him in the hall with
a forced smile and a greeting, but she dared not offer to shake hands
with the great man.

"Anything of importance since I have been away?" asked Mr. Trimmer.

"Yes, Mr. Trimmer. Mr. Herresford has changed his bedroom."

"Humph! We'll soon alter that," murmured Trimmer.

"That's what I told him, Mr. Trimmer. I said you'd be annoyed, and that
he'd have to go back when you returned."

"Just so, just so! Any trouble with his family?"

"