Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/134

122 farmers if they made a similar request to me?"

"That is exactly what I am endeavouring to point out," assented the confident Wilson; "and, furthermore, you would have infinite trouble with the labourers. The moment you began repairing, there'd be no end to it. They'd all want bathrooms next."

This was really going too far, and the delegation roused itself. Stiles, his voice a-quiver with indignation, crudely denied that any labourer ever thought of a bathroom, and practically made reflections on Wilson's veracity. Wilson, however, paid not the slightest heed to him.

"Are there, then, no bathrooms in your cottages?" asked Stranleigh in surprise. "How do you manage?"

"We takes a wash-tub every Saturday night, my lord," said Stiles.

"Well, gentlemen, I have quite made up my mind not to sanction any repairs to the cottages. Mr. Wilson's arguments are unanswerable, and you have not even endeavoured to reply to them. I am much obliged to you, Wilson, for coming so promptly when telephoned for. I know you're a busy man, so I'll excuse you."

"Thank you, my lord. Good day, my lord," and the energetic Wilson departed.

The delegation had risen to its feet, glum and dumb. Stranleigh waved his hand.