ut the mention of her, on a
sudden impulse, had been pure sympathy on Elizabeth's part; a wish
to strike on the girl's behalf while the iron was so very hot. She
looked up quietly.

'No, indeed there is nothing else--except indeed--that you won't
expect me to hide what I feel about the war--and the little we at
home can do to help--'

Her voice failed a little. The Squire said nothing. She went on,
with a clearing countenance.

'So--if you really wish it--I will stay, Mr. Mannering--and try to
help you all I can. It was splendid of you--to give up your plans.
I'm sure you won't regret it.'

'I'm not sure at all--but it's done. Now, then, let us understand.
You take over my estate correspondence. You'll want a clerk--I'll
find one. You can appoint a new agent if you like. You can do what
you like, in fact. I was never meant to be a landowner, and I hate
the whole business. You can harry the farmers as you please--I
shan't interfere.'

'Allow me to point out,' said Elizabeth firmly, 'that at college I
was not trained in land-agency--but in Greek!'

'What does that matter? If women can build Dreadnoughts, as they say
they can, they can manage estates. Now, then, as to my conditions.
Do what you like--but my book and the catalogue come _first_!' He
looked at her with an exacting eye.

'Certainly,' said Elizabeth.

'But I know what you'll do--you'll go and break down! You are _not_
to break down.'

'Certainly!' said Elizabeth.

'But you have once broken down.'

Her start was perceptible, but she answered quietly.

'I was ill a year ago--partly from overwork. But I am normally quite
strong.'

The Squire observed her. It was very pleasant to him to see her
sitting there, in her trim serge dress, with its broad white collar
and cuffs--the sheen of her hair against the dark wall--her shapely
hands ready for work upon his table. He felt as if he had with
enormous difficulty captured--recaptured--something of exceptional
value; like one of those women 'skilled in beautiful arts' whom the
Greek slave-raiders used to carry off from a conquered city, and
sell for large sums to the wives of wealthy Greek chieftains. Till
now he had scarcely thought of her as a woman, but rather as a
fine-edged but most serviceable tool which he had had the
extraordinary good luck to find. Now, with his mere selfish feeling
of relief there mingled something rather warmer and more human. If
only she would stay, he would honestly try