against each other; their contrasted appearances were a chapter of social history.  Mark the difference between Adela’s gently closed lips, every muscle under control; and Alice’s, which could never quite close without forming a saucy pout or a self-conscious primness.  Contrast the foreheads; on the one hand that tenderly shadowed curve of brow, on the other the surface which always seemed to catch too much of the light, which moved irregularly with the arches above the eyes.  The grave modesty of the one face, the now petulant, now abashed, now vacant expression of the other.  Richard in his heart preferred the type he had 80 long been familiar with; a state of feeling of course in no way inconsistent with the emotions excited in him by continual observation of Adela.

The two returned to the Manor at half-past seven, Alice rising with evident relief when he gave the signal.  It was agreed that the latter part of the next morning should be spent in going over the works.  Adela was very willing to be of the party.

‘They haven’t much money, have they?’ was Alice’s first question as soon as she got away from the door.

‘No, they are not rich,’ replied the brother.  ’You got on very nicely, old girl.’

’Why shouldn’t I?  You talk as if I didn’t know how to behave myself, Dick.’

‘No, I don’t.  I say that you did behave yourself.’

‘Yes, and you were surprised at it.’

‘I wasn’t at all.  What do you think of her?’

‘She doesn’t say much.’

‘No, she’s always very quiet.  It’s her way.’

‘Yes.’

The monosyllable meant more than Richard gathered from it.  They walked on in silence, and were met presently by a gentleman who was coming along the village street at a sharp pace.  A lamp discovered Mr. Willis Rodman.  Richard stopped.

‘Seen to that little business?’ he asked, in a cheerful voice.

‘Yes,’ was Rodman’s reply.  ’We shall hear from Agworth in the morning.’

‘All right.—­Alice, this is Mr. Rodman.—­My sister, Rodman.’

Richard’s right-hand man performed civilities with decidedly more finish than Richard himself had at command.

’I am very happy to meet Miss Mutimer.  I hope we shall have the pleasure of showing her New Wanley to-morrow.’

’She and Miss Waltham will walk down in the morning.  Good night, Rodman.  Cold, eh?’

‘Why didn’t you introduce him this afternoon?’ Alice asked as she walked on.

‘I didn’t think of it—­I was bothered.’

‘He seems very gentlemanly.’

’Oh, Rodman’s seen a deal of life.  He’s a useful fellow—­gets through work in a wonderful way.’

‘But is he a gentleman?  I mean, was he once?’

Richard laughed.

’I suppose you mean, had he ever money?  No, he’s made himself what he is.’