Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/104

 the wire frame. The pier at Mistwell was white with gulls, basking in the sun. Before they reached the station they heard the train whistle at a crossing.

Derek drove the horse behind the station and gave the reins to Gunn just as the roar of the locomotive subsided to a hiss. He hurried along the platform looking eagerly for his brother. Edmund alighted from the last coach, followed by a porter with his travelling-bag.

"I've got a trunk somewhere," he said, after they had shaken hands.

"I'll give the check to the 'bus driver and he can bring it later. My trap is behind the station. Jove, you look well!"

"So do you. I expected you to meet me on a load of hay, wearing a coon coat. You're far too swell for a farmer."

Derek felt boyishly happy as they rolled briskly along towards Grimstone. It was good to have Edmund with him; he had scarcely realized how fond he was of him; he wished Gunn were not behind so they might be quite alone. He fired rapid questions at him about friends in Halifax. Edmund told him the latest jokes of his regiment, and he laughed uproariously. As they neared Grimstone he looked anxiously at his brother to see what effect the place would have on him.

"Nice old house, but rather bleak," was the verdict.

"You should see it in summer. Isn't that a great view?"

"Fine. Where do the Jerrolds live?"

"Over there. You can't see the house. She's a lovely girl, Ted, bronzy hair, and eyes almost violet. . . . There's my barn and stables. If it isn't too dark after tea we'll go and have a look at the stock. Have a beautiful filly."

"Is she at home now?"