Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/136

 Good Lord! He had thought it had reached Grimstone long ago. Now he remembered to have seen Jackman in it, a farmer who lived a mile east of Mistwell. He had been driven home first! The 'bus driver drew up his horses. "Can I give you a lift, sir?" he called.

Derek swallowed his third bull's-eye and climbed into the 'bus. He was in for the scene after all!

Cyril, Ruby, and Mrs. Windmill smiled as though he were an old friend. Snailem tried to smile, but he was manipulating a fresh wad of tobacco and it took all his skill.

"The 'bus driver tells me that you are Mr. Vile," said Mrs. Windmill. "I'm so glad, for I'm sure you'll tell my husband that I did right in coming to him. It's no way for husband and wife to live, and—I've heard rumors. So I just sold my bit of furniture and came strite across. His father gave me money for the passage, so you can see what his family feel about it."

"I shouldn't place much dependence in rumors, if I were you," said Derek. "A man sometimes makes a friend when he's far from home, but he means nothing wrong—he's just lonely."

"Mr. Vile, did my husband tell you he is a married man?"

"No," acknowledged Derek, "he didn't."

"Oh! the villain!"

"Be careful. That man Snailem will hear you."

"It mikes me wild. Look at his two lovely kiddies—and him not to own to them."

"He does not tell me his affairs."

"And I sent him their picture at Christmas. I'll wiger he never showed it to that minx he's walking out with!"

"This is my place," said Derek, thankfully, as the 'bus stopped. He swung the children to the ground, and helped Mrs. Windmill with her bundles; Snailem let himself down heavily, and cast a dismal look over the farm. There was