He smiled. "I think you are at present. But it's a different case with me. Dick Muir, my friend in Cornwall, opened a door to me. You know I'm a bit of a Socialist. I believe in sharing good things with those who are without them, and the people all round him are in an awfully bad way. No work—no money—no hope for better times. As their parson, he feels it—and he can do so little to help. The long and short is—I'm going to open up a mine there to provide work. I have the money to do it, for an investment I made some time ago has proved very remunerative. What's the good of living in idleness and luxury when others are starving? It isn't the life anyone but the helpless and aged ought to live. And I've strength and brain for a long time yet, I'm hoping." Gentian's blue eyes were big with interest and concern. "I don't know anything about mines," she said, "except that they're down in the earth. Will you be a miner? You don't live in idleness, Cousin Thorold. Mr. Wharnecliffe says you're taking the first rest you've had in your life!" "Oh, I've had my rest right enough. The mines have been closed down—the owners found them a losing concern, but they got into difficulties through want of capital." "Then you may lose, too, if you put your money in it, and then what would you do?" "It wouldn't hurt me if I did. I have no one dependent on me now. But I don't think I shall lose. Anyway, I'm going to take the risk. I've been talking to an expert down there. The mines were not developed far enough. They stopped short when they ought to have gone on. It would give work to hundreds. That's worth thinking about in these days." "Well, they'll only want your money, not yourself," said Gentian serenely. "You'll go on living here, won't you?" Thorold shook his head. "No, I want to be part and parcel of the concern; my own manager by and by. I shall sell up here and live in quite a small way down there at first. But I want to start it personally and get in touch with those I employ." Gentian was silent. Thorold looked at her with his kind, thoughtful eyes. "It won't make any difference to you and Miss Ward," he said; "you'll go on living here just the same. I shan't sell the Vicarage. And you will be freed from my unwarranted interference in your doings!" He smiled as he spoke, but Gentian did not smile. "You've made such a substantial background to our life here, that I don't know what we shall feel like without you." "A background can very easily be dispensed with," he said lightly. "I am afraid I am very rude to call you a background," said Gentian, looking at him contritely. "And I don't think it quite describes you. You are too aggressive for that!" "I'm generally considered a very mild-mannered man." Gentian laughed, and her face cleared.