ude of quite respectful, but
not in the least subservient attention, was at such complete variance
with either of his two imaginary types, that he found his attitude of
grimness insensibly relaxing.

"Did George speak to you regarding your work?" he demanded suddenly. He
couldn't for the life of him, think of anything else to say.

"Well," returned Antony thoughtfully considering, "he asked me about my
last place, and I told him I'd been working on my own account. Thereupon
he expressed surprise that I should now be taking an under post, but
remarked with vast wisdom that every man knew his own business best."

"Hmm," said Doctor Hilary.

"He also," continued Antony, his eyes twinkling, "was for giving me
advice on matrimony, and mentioned three 'vitty maids' he could produce
for my inspection. I told him," continued Antony solemnly, though his
eyes were still twinkling, "that I was not a marrying man at all."

Doctor Hilary found the twinkle in Antony's eyes gaining response in his
own. He was such a remarkably cheerful young man, and so confiding.

"Hmm," he remarked again. "He said nothing else I suppose? Expressed no
surprise at your being chosen for the post, instead of a local man?"

"He did not," responded Antony, replying to the last question. "It would
seem that he thought any appointment to the post unnecessary, in view of
the fact that the Hall was at present untenanted."

"And you replied--?" asked Doctor Hilary.

"Sure, I had no opinion to offer," said Antony. "It was not my affair at
all. He talked, but I said little."

"A good principle," remarked Doctor Hilary approvingly, "and one I should
advise you to adhere to. Your accent is all right, but your--your speech
is a trifle fluent, if I may make the suggestion."

Antony laughed pleasantly. He was now made sure of the fact of which he
had been already tolerably certain, namely, that this big, rugged-faced
man was fully aware of the conditions of the will, and his own identity.

"Sure, 'tis we Irish have the gift o' the gab," he returned
apologetically, "but I'll be remembering your advice."

There was a little silence. It was broken by Antony.

"I was for making a cup of tea when you came up the path, sor. Will you
be having one with me? It'll not take beyont ten minutes or so to get a
fire going, and the water boiling. That is, if you'll be doing me the
honour, sor," he concluded gravely.

Doctor Hilary laughed outright.

He watched Ant