"I cannot answer that. Sometimes I arrive to find that there are none, barring Brenda—she's the boy's personal attendant—nurse, I suppose, you'd consider her. Eliza Falkland, my farmer's wife, comes in to cook whenever we want her. Personally I want no better cook than she is. I give you carte blanche to have as many servants as you need. The little girls are looked after by their governesses. But they have been without one for the last six weeks—Brenda sees to them. I won't advise you what to do. Running a house is a woman's work, not a man's." Anstice was silent. "You'll have a good roomy trap and stout cob for the children's use. I did have a car, but the governesses were always out in it with their friends, so I gave it up. I'm home so seldom that I hire when I want one. I ride a good deal. My mare is kept at the farm." "Am I to be allowed to invite a friend to stay with me occasionally?" "You are hardly in the same category as the governesses," he said dryly; "and I suppose you had better have a car. I'll see about it." "No," said Anstice decidedly. "I prefer the trap. How long do you intend to be away?" "About five or six months." "Then let the car wait till you come home again. I am fond of the country and am never dull in it. You generally use cars to get away from your surroundings. I shall settle down like a cat, and be quite content with the cob. Do you wish me to have anything to do with the farm?" He looked at her reflectively. "Bob Falkland isn't good at writing. He runs the farm pretty well on his own, but if any difficulties arise I will tell him to come to you, and if you can't cope with them, you can write to me." "What is your nearest town?" "Penrith. You have no difficulties in the way of supplies. For Penrith contains all that we need. Any more questions?" "No, thank you. Not at present." He returned to his paper, and Anstice to her magazines. They had the carriage to themselves until they came to Crewe. Then he took her to the restaurant car to have tea. They were talking pleasantly together about the country in general, when suddenly a stout, handsome-looking woman came across from her seat opposite them, and accosted Justin. "Well, you gad-about," she said playfully. "Where do you come from? Going home for twenty-four hours, I suppose, as usual." "Let me introduce you to my wife," said Justin gravely. Then turning to Anstice, he said: "This is our nearest neighbour, Mrs. Wykeham." Anstice could see that Justin's announcement was a distinct shock to the lady, though she concealed it as best she could. "Yes, I live about eight miles away, but that is nothing in these days. Well, Justin, I must congratulate you. All your troubles will be over now. Are the children expecting you? They were not two days ago. I met them in the lanes having a riotous time with Hal Cross, who was driving them." "No," said Justin; "we're taking them by surprise."