Fishpingle glanced from the beaming face of the Squire to the demure Prudence standing at attention between them. The light from the big window fell full upon her trim, graciously rounded figure. Here, indeed, was the concrete presentment of what eugenics might achieve. A faint smile flickered about his lips; his eyes softened. As a matter of fact, Prudence was not his niece, but a cousin, a first cousin once removed. But he gazed at her with the proud and affectionate glance of a father. Then he said slowly: “Eugenics, Prudence, is the new science which deals with conditions which make for the improvement of the human race.” The Squire nodded complacently. “Couldn’t have put it better myself b’ Jove!” Fishpingle bowed. “That is exactly what you said last night, Sir Geoffrey, to her ladyship.” “So I did—so I did. But my lady failed to understand me.” “I don’t understand neither,” murmured Prudence. “Have another go, Ben,” the Squire enjoined. Fishpingle took his time, choosing his words carefully. “You are a strong healthy girl, Prudence.” “Aye—that I be, thank the Lard!” Sir Geoffrey was not the man to let pass such an opportunity. It may be mentioned here that he had made sacrifices for his people, amongst which may be counted the giving up of a town house, foreign travel, and the riding of less expensive hunters not quite up to his weight. He said gravely: “You can thank me, too, Prudence. The sanitary condition of Nether Applewhite put that fine colour into your cheeks, my girl.” Prudence curtsied. “Go on, Ben. Forrard away!” If the Squire was swift to grasp his opportunities, as much and more could be said of Fishpingle. He had reason to believe that love passages had taken place between Alfred and Prudence, and a marriage between these young people would be, in his opinion, the real right thing. Would the Squire encourage such a match? “Alfred,” he said, looking at the Squire as he spoke, “is also a fine specimen of what a young man ought to be. And a marriage between you two young persons would be, from the point of view of eugenics——” “Disastrous!” Sir Geoffrey, sitting bolt upright, snapped out the adjective. “Oh-h-h!” exclaimed Prudence. Fishpingle was surprised also. “I beg your pardon, Sir Geoffrey.” “They are first cousins, man. Had you forgotten that?” Prudence interrupted hastily. “Father an’ mother was second cousins.” “Were they, b’ Jove! That makes the matter ten times worse.” “But—why?” Prudence insisted. Sir Geoffrey, fairly cornered, growled out: “You explain, Ben.” “Not now, Sir Geoffrey, if you please. Later.” “Yes, yes; you can leave us, Prudence.” The maid went out quickly. As the door closed behind her a gulp was heard. The Squire frowned. “Ben?” “Sir Geoffrey.” “That little dear was upset.” “Young females are subject to frustrations.” “Shush-h! She wouldn’t listen at the door, would she?” “My niece—eavesdropping?”