irst, you are what
they call a dissenter, and that would be sufficient to ostracise us;
and, second, they would regard us as of the _nouveau riche_ order,
because you have made your wealth by commerce."

John Castlemaine laughed.

"I do not imagine we shall be much poorer because of their lack of
courtesy, Olive; still, I hope you are mistaken."

"Why, do you long for their society?"

"Oh, no; I was only hoping that broader and healthier ideas were coming
into the community."

"I am afraid it is a vain hope," said Olive. "Why, just think. When the
vicar called the other day he was simply stunned when you told him you
were a Nonconformist, while when you told him that you intended building
a chapel, I thought he was going to faint."

"Yes, he did seem overwhelmed," said John Castlemaine.

"Before you told him these things, he spoke of his wife and daughters
calling, but not afterwards. Neither, as a matter of fact, have they
called."

"Ah, but that is because of pure chagrin, I imagine. Besides, Mr.
Lestrange is noted for his bigotry, and is not therefore a fair sample."

"Of course there is an utterly different atmosphere here," said Olive.
"Not that it troubles me. The people whose intellectual outlook is so
limited that the question of religious opinion influences social
courtesies, are not very desirable companions. Still, we will have to
bear it in mind in considering our future. As for--by the way, are you
very rich, father?"

"Yes," said John Castlemaine quietly; "I suppose I am."

"That question will be inquired into, no doubt," said Olive, "and it may
be that in time the minor county families will overlook our other
failings on account of your being a wealthy man."

"Aren't you a bit cynical, Olive?"

"I was only wondering whether these people were worth considering,
father. As you know, I don't care a little bit about what is called
society, and I have been thinking about other plans for the future."

"What plans?"

"I have been trying to think what I shall do with my life."

"Yes?" said John Castlemaine eagerly.

"Yes. We cannot live here for ever idly; at least, I cannot. Besides, it
would not be right. Even if we were to take part in the social life of
the county, I could not content myself to be a mere butterfly. Following
the hounds, going to dances, paying calls, and the rest of it, is not a
very interesting programme."

"No, it is not," John Castlemaine assented.

"I love the cou