ver the demesne of Blent and
struggled to give some expression to the thoughts which his companion's
position suggested. The circumstances of this meeting made for sincerity
and openness; they were always Bob's characteristics. Harry too was in
such a mood that he liked Bob to stay and talk a little.

They fell into talk with more ease and naturalness than they had
recently achieved together, getting back to the friendliness of boyhood,
although Bob still spoke as to one greater than himself and infused a
little deference into his manner. But they came to nothing intimate till
Bob had declared that he must be on his way and was about to mount his
horse.

"As soon as I begin to have people here, I hope you'll come often," said
Harry, cordially. "Naturally we shall be a little more lively than we've
been able to be of late, and I shall hope to see all my friends."

He did not instantly understand the hesitation in Bob's manner as he
answered, "You're very kind. I--I shall like to come."

"Blent must do its duty," Harry pursued.

Bob turned back to him, leaving his horse again. "Yes, I'll come. I hope
I know how to take a licking, Tristram." He held out his hand.

"A licking?" Both the word and the gesture seemed to surprise Harry
Tristram.

"Oh, you know what I mean. You're engaged to her, aren't you? Or as good
as anyhow? I don't want to ask questions----"

"Not even as good as, yet," answered Harry slowly.

"Of course you know what I feel. Everybody knows that, though I've never
talked about it--even to her."

"Why not to her? Isn't that rather usual in such cases?" Harry was
smiling now.

"It would only worry her. What chance should I have?"

"Well, I don't agree with being too humble."

"Oh, I don't know that I'm humble. Perhaps I think myself as good a man
as you. But"--he laughed a little--"I'm Broadley of Mingham, not
Tristram of Blent."

"I see. That's it? And our friend the Major?"

"I shouldn't so much mind having a turn-up with the Major."

"But Tristram of Blent is--is too much?"

"It's not your fault, you can't help it," smiled Bob. "You're born to it
and----" He ended with a shrug.

"You're very fond of her?" Harry asked, frowning a little.

"I've been in love with her all my life--ever since they came to
Seaview. Fairholme wasn't dreamed of then."

He spoke of Fairholme with a touch of bitterness which he hastened to
correct by adding--"Of course I'm glad of their good luck."

"Yo