ood apologist," Bernard said to Jim.

The others laughed, and Mrs. Halliday, not liking the turn Bernard had
given the talk, asked: "Who will take the otter-hounds?"

"The matter's important and cannot be decided rashly," Bernard replied
with some dryness, and addressed Mordaunt. "I imagine Jim might fill
the post. What do you think, Lance?"

"The choice lies between Langrigg and Dryholm, sir. The Dearhams have
a kind of traditional right to keep the hounds. Joseph did so."

"I am too old."

"Then Jim ought to make a good master. That is, if he doesn't think
otter-hunting an idle man's game."

Bernard turned to Jim, who laughed. "Lance's shot was fair. When I
first came over I had some prejudices, but they are going and I don't
see why I shouldn't play now and then." He paused and his look was
serious when he resumed: "In a way, it's strange, but your English
customs have a grip; they get hold of one. In fact, I'm getting
English fast, but perhaps that is not quite right. I begin to feel I
am English."

Mrs. Halliday gave him an approving smile. "You inherited more than
Langrigg from the Dearhams, Jim. I like to see you realize you got
some duties when you got the estate."

"I don't know if keeping the hounds is a duty," Jim rejoined. "Perhaps
Lance was nearest when he called it a game. All the same, I think I'd
like the job."

They began to talk about the advisability of moving the kennels and
Carrie, sitting quiet, studied the others. She saw Mrs. Halliday was
pleased and thought she understood this. Mordaunt puzzled her. His
rather dark face was hard to read, but she had got a hint of
disappointment when he said the choice lay between Langrigg and Dryholm
and Bernard declared he was too old. Then she suspected a touch of
bitterness in his next remark. The others had noted nothing, except
perhaps Bernard, who had looked at Mordaunt hard. Carrie did not like
Mordaunt; he sometimes sneered politely at Jim.

"It is something to know Jim is willing, but the post is not my gift,"
Bernard resumed. "A meeting will no doubt be held to weigh the matter
and if Jim is chosen, I should not be surprised."

Then he got up and shivered as the creeping shadow touched the bench he
occupied. Some of the others went off along the terrace and Jim and
Evelyn crossed the lawn. They were talking animatedly and Carrie felt
a pang when Jim's laugh came back to her. In the woods she had cheered
him and he