Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/196

 suspicion as she drew in her rein that he felt showed bitter resentment of his growing authority and liberty of action on the farm.

"Good morning, Miss Jerrold," he said, touching his hat, "and how is Darby this morning?"

"Very skittish," she replied. "I think he is getting more oats than is good for him."

"Ah! but you like him spirited, don't you? Think of the way he took you over that gate yesterday."

"That was his duty. It is not his duty to shy when passing the same gate this morning as though he had never seen it before."

Hobbs laughed and moved away, leaving the father and daughter together.

He lifted her from her horse and they walked along the grassy lane together, he holding the rein loosely while Darby bent to crop the short new grass that had appeared since recent rain.

He said: "Do you know, Grace, Hobbs tells me that things are in a very bad state at Grimstone. Had you heard anything?"

"Yes." Her tone was reserved.

"From whom?"

"A house-maid. She would gossip as she was doing my room and—I couldn't help listening."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh, I couldn't bear to talk about it. You couldn't do anything, and you had worries enough of your own."

"Are we going to let Derek ruin himself and not put out a hand?"

"I have written to his brother."

"Written to his brother! He'll not thank you for that."

"I don't desire his thanks."