Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/77

 himself felt an instinctive distaste for Wilson's society, and more than once had reproved him for his lack of sympathy with the tenants, and occasionally had even determined to dismiss him, he recognised his good business qualities. Besides that, he shrank from displacing any man in the Stranleigh service, except on irrefragable proofs of dishonesty or unfairness, so Wilson stayed on year by year.

"Good morning, Wilson. I telegraphed to you because of an item in to-day's paper. Is it true that Mr. Barnacle has offered a library to Stranleigh village?"

"Yes, my lord; I believe it is."

"You believe! Aren't you sure?"

"Yes, my lord, I am sure."

"Then why did you not write to me about it?" "I didn't know that it would interest your lordship."

"Anything pertaining to the estate interests me, and I dislike reading in the newspapers information that should already be in my possession about my own affairs. Is it not a fact that there is a very well-selected library now housed in the Village Hall, the books of which are at the free disposal of all inhabitants?"