private prey."

Simpkins was puzzled again. The doctrine about fishing rights struck
him as slightly socialistic. It might possibly be applicable in the
case of whales, but society could scarcely survive as an organised
whole if many men regarded the possession of salmon as of no
importance. At the same time he was pleased; it gratified him
immensely to be hailed as a fellow citizen of a larger world.

"Would you mind," he said, speaking in quite a friendly tone, "telling
me your name?"

"Not in the least," said Meldon. "I said so before. As a matter of
fact, so far from having any wish to conceal my name from you, I went
round to your house before I called here and left my card on you.
You'll find it there when you get back. I always like to be strict in
the observance of the rules of civilised society. I particularly
dislike the slack ways into which people in places like this are
inclined to drift. I must say for the Major, he's not as bad as the
rest in that respect. He always dresses for dinner."

"So do I."

"I'm glad to hear it. That ought to be a bond of union between you and
the Major. You must be the only two men in Ballymoy who do. By the
way, have you met Miss King?"

"No. She arrived yesterday, I hear; but I haven't seen her."

"You ought to go up and call on her at once. You'll like her, I'm
sure. She's very good-looking."

He paused for a moment. The announcement did not seem to excite
Simpkins' interest. He was, indeed, not of the temperament which is
strongly moved by beauty or personal charm.

"She's also very rich," said Meldon.

"I thought she must be pretty well off when she took Ballymoy House."

"She is. And what's more, she's uncommonly well connected. Her uncle
is an earl. I forget at this moment what his exact title is; but I
know he's an earl, and I have it on very good authority that he's
likely to be made a marquis quite soon."

He paused, and was gratified to observe that Simpkins appeared to be
greatly interested by this information about Miss King. He pursued his
advantage at once.

"I shall call on her myself," he said, "though there's not really much
use in my making myself agreeable to her. I'm married already. The
Major would have told you that, too, if you'd been on speaking terms
with him. You really must make it up with the Major, Simpkins. I hope
to see a good deal of you while I'm in Ballymoy, and it will be most
inconvenient for me if yo