"Then," said Trefusis, extending his hand--Erskine at first thought for
a hearty shake--"give me half-a-crown towards the cost of our expedition
here to-day to assert the right of the people to tread the soil we are
standing upon."

"You shall do nothing of the sort, Chester," cried Lady Brandon. "I
never heard of such a thing in my life! Do you pay us for the wall and
fence your people have broken, Mr. Smilash; that would be more to the
purpose."

"If I could find a thousand men as practical as you, Lady Brandon,
I might accomplish the next great revolution before the end of this
season." He looked at her for a moment curiously, as if trying to
remember; and then added inconsequently: "How are your friends? There
was a Miss--Miss--I am afraid I have forgotten all the names except your
own."

"Gertrude Lindsay is staying with us. Do you remember her?"

"I think--no, I am afraid I do not. Let me see. Was she a haughty young
lady?"

"Yes," said Lady Brandon eagerly, forgetting the wall and fence. "But
who do you think is coming next Thursday? I met her accidentally the
last time I was in town. She's not a bit changed. You can't forget her,
so don't pretend to be puzzled."

"You have not told me who she is yet. And I shall probably not remember
her. You must not expect me to recognize everyone instantaneously, as I
recognized you."

"What stuff! You will know Agatha fast enough."

"Agatha Wylie!" he said, with sudden gravity.

"Yes. She is coming on Thursday. Are you glad?"

"I fear I shall have no opportunity of seeing her."

"Oh, of course you must see her. It will be so jolly for us all to meet
again just as we used. Why can't you come to luncheon on Thursday?"

"I shall be delighted, if you will really allow me to come after my
conduct here."

"The lawyers will settle that. Now that you have found out who we are
you will stop pulling down our walls, of course."

"Of course," said Trefusis, smiling, as he took out a pocket diary and
entered the engagement. "I must hurry away to the crossroads. They have
probably voted me into the chair by this time, and are waiting for me
to open their meeting. Good-bye. You have made this place, which I was
growing tired of, unexpectedly interesting to me."

They exchanged glances of the old college pattern. Then he nodded to
Sir Charles, waved his hand familiarly to Erskine, and followed the
procession, which was by this time out of sight.

Sir Charles, who, w