Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/89

 and ancient Norfolk jacket of Harris tweed. Under the collar of his grey flannel shirt he tied a frayed scarlet cravat, then surveyed his full-length reflection in the pier-glass with an expression of satisfaction. The best-dressed man in London was now an excellent representative of a tramp.

"My tailor would have a fit if he could see me, and I should need to explain that this anarchist neck-tie is to place me en rapport with the new library."

Passing down the carriage drive which wound among the trees partially hiding the house from the king's highway, he entered the main street of the village at its lower end, and there received, like a slap in the face, the full effect of the brilliant edifice, apparently built to cross the road at the upper end.

As Stranleigh gazed up the street with stern disapproval on his face, he murmured to himself—

"I am either confoundedly stupid, or Fate has turned against me. I spend five thousand pounds to help on the culture of the neighbourhood, and merely succeed in spoiling the prettiest village in England. That blatant building must be replaced."

At this point he was accosted by the oldest inhabitant, Samuel Nubbins, whose bent, shrunken figure was supported by a thick stick.