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Rh to the next meeting of the Council. Let him take the plans with him. Tell him to apologise abjectly and dwell a good deal on your desire to improve the district, hinting that these cottages are but a commencement. I understand that most of Muddlebury is built on your land, so I am sure you won't meet any serious opposition."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Binns. Good morning."

"Good morning, my lord."

Lord Stranleigh returned to the breakfast-room.

"Mr. Wilson," he said, "I shall be obliged if you would let me know as soon as possible when the next meeting of the Muddlebury District Council takes place—when and where."

"The District Council meets next Thursday, my lord, at ten o'clock in the Town Hall, Muddlebury."

"What a beastly early hour. Did you let the contracts for the cottages?"

"Yes, my lord."

"And buy the materials?"

"Yes, my lord. I thought it best to engage local builders, and they, as a rule, have not the capital necessary for the purchase of materials."

"That was quite right. I always like to engage a local man when I can. Are the cottages finished?"

"Nearly all of them, my lord."

"Any of them occupied yet?"