as having a
very important conversation with Mr. Burnet under the small trees.
Neither Leonard nor Phil heard what passed, as they were not within
earshot; but when they presently came near their fathers they caught
these words from Mr. Burnet:

"I hope that he will consent to do as we suggest. It was really my boy
who first thought that it would be a good move. These young people
sometimes get hold of ideas which are worth carrying out. And then
Roberts took it up, knowing as he does from his relations the
difficulties of that kind of life in London."

"I'm sure, sir," said Rowles doubtfully, "it is very kind of you to
think of doing such kindness to a stranger. But I'm much afeard that
Thomas Mitchell is so used to his topsy-turvy way of living, that he
will not fit in with the morning for getting up and the night for
going to bed."

"I will endeavour to get him to try it, at all events. I have taken a
lease of the Bourne House; very likely you know it."

"I should think I did! A good old gentleman used to live there when I
was a boy, as like to you, sir, as one pea is to another; and, what is
more, Mrs. Bosher's brother farms all the arable land belonging to
it."

"Does he? Of course I know all about my future tenant, but I did not
know he was Mrs. Bosher's brother. Well, Rowles, there is a nice
little cottage on the property which your brother-in-law can rent
cheap from me; and I will put him on the _Thames Valley Times and
Post_, which only comes out once a week, and does not keep the men up
at night. We also do a good deal of handbill printing, and catalogues
for sales, and that kind of work, which is easy enough. And I hope to
see your friends settled down here by the beginning of the week after
next."

Rowles shook his head, feeling certain that the arrangement would not
answer. But Mr. Burnet was determined to try it, and Leonard was
delighted with the project.

"Your cousins," said Leonard to Philip, "will have to learn all about
country things. I don't suppose they know a garden when they see one."

"No, they don't," was Phil's answer. "When Juliet saw the first of the
country from the train window, she says to mother, 'It's a pretty
churchyard!' says she."

Mr. Burnet looked very sad for a few moments, then he stood up and
said that he must be going back, as he had to meet Mrs. Bosher's
brother and talk over the barns and the stables and the
farm-buildings. "And on Monday," he added, "I think I