"Is this a very egoistical letter? I hope not, for I must realize that my private life is of no moment to you. I have asked Bob Falkland if he has any message to send you, but all is going well. Eliza gives us a couple of hours help every morning. This may not be necessary when I get our full staff of domestics. Ruffie encloses one of his latest pictures. It represents us down by the lakeside on Sunday afternoon. Admire his colouring of water and Fells! He is a born artist, and if spared to grow up, should be able to do something really good. Now have I given you all the news you desire? And how am I to sign myself? "Just "ANSTICE HOLME." * * * * * Colonel Dermot was a constant visitor at the Manor during his short stay at the lakes. One day he took Anstice and the children on the lake in a small motor launch belonging to the Wykehams; another day he went off for a nine-mile walk over the Fells with Anstice; he came to lunch; he came to tea; and when he finally left the neighbourhood, he paid his farewell visit after dinner. It was a most lovely evening, and he and Anstice strolled down to the lake and sat beside it. "I can't picture you here in the winter," he said, "but I suppose Justin will be back before then." "He went for a six months' cruise. That will bring him back in time for Christmas," said Anstice. "You must cure him of his restlessness." "Well, I don't know," said Anstice thoughtfully; "it is not much of a life for him here. The farm is too small to give him occupation, the estate is not much bigger. He is not old enough to settle down here for good and all, and the love of the sea is not easily eradicated." "Up to now he has not had much to keep him here. His house has not been his home." "Perhaps not." Anstice was sitting, gazing out dreamily over the lake. And Colonel Dermot, peculiarly susceptible to woman's charm, again wondered at Justin's desertion. Anstice's grace and beauty, and her strong personality, had made a very deep impression on him. He suddenly said: "How much, how well do you know each other, I wonder?" Anstice laughed. "Ah! That's our secret," she said. "I am not going to dissect my husband's character. But I agree with you that he has had a miserable home here for years." "And it has warped and twisted his whole being," said Colonel Dermot. "As a youngster, he was a radiant specimen of youth and high spirits. Marriage in his case was his undoing. I was abroad for three years, and could not believe when I saw him that such a transformation in character could be effected in so short a time." "Perhaps it was only on the surface," said Anstice. "No, the bitterness had gone deeper than that. You women have much to answer for. But I knew his wife as a girl, and was not surprised. I'm telling you this for old Justin's sake, as he's not such a bad chap at heart." "I'm quite aware of that."