Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/48

 the possession of such pleasant neighbours, especially since they seemed inclined to make him one of their little circle.

"Do you know, it's quite exciting to us to have a new neighbour," she said, as they crossed the lawn. "You have been one of the principal topics of our conversation since you came."

"I was afraid I was in disgrace since my horses break into your place so often. About once a week, I think Hobbs said."

"Oh, that just provides a little agreeable excitement for the men. Please don't mend the fences."

"It was very good of your father to fetch me to tea."

"Oh, I sent him." She had, it seemed, an ingenuous little way of beginning her sentences with "Oh," like a child. Then she added quickly, with a flush—"I thought you might be lonely—so far from home."

"I was—a little. There are just my brother and myself. I feel very much separated from him here."

"It's a lonely spot," she said. "We have lived here six years, since I lost my mother. I should be very lonely if father and I were not such good companions. We go about the place together all day, and at night we read aloud, or play cribbage."

"I admire your father tremendously. He attracts me more than any other man I can remember."

Her eyes were bright with pleasure. "He is attractive, isn't he? And very clever, too. But, really, I believe I have the better business head of the two. I mean I think I have a clearer grasp of the essentials, and I don't get enthusiastic over new projects till I've looked into them a bit."

"What's that, Grace?" said Mr. Jerrold, turning round suddenly. "What's she saying about me?"

"I was remarking, William dear, that I have a better