“A fire, Mr. Winthrop,” observed the Major, “is very acceptable these cool evenings.” “Well, I haven’t felt the need of it myself,” replied Winthrop, “but it was here and it seemed a shame to waste it. I’ll close the windows if you like.” “Not at all, not at all; I like fresh air. I couldn’t have too much of it, sir, if it wasn’t for this confounded rheumatism of mine. With your permission, sir.” The Major leaned forward and laid a fresh log on the fire. Winthrop arose and quietly closed the windows. “Do you smoke, Major? I have some cigars here somewhere.” “Thank you, sir, if they’re right handy.” He accepted one, held it to his nose and inhaled the aroma, smiled approvingly and tucked it into a corner of his mouth. “You’ll pardon me if I don’t light it,” he said. “Certainly,” replied Winthrop. “I never learned to smoke, Mr. Winthrop,” explained the Major, “and I reckon I’m too old to begin now. But when I was a boy, and afterwards, during the war, I got a lot of comfort out of chewing, sir. But it’s a dirty habit, sir, and I had to give it up. The only way I use tobacco now, sir, is in this way. It’s a compromise, sir.” And he rolled the cigar around enjoyably. “I see,” replied Winthrop. “I trust you are feeling recovered from the effects of your arduous journey?” inquired the Major. “Quite, thank you. I dare say Miss Wayne told you what an ass I made of myself when I arrived?” “You refer to your――ah――momentary indisposition? Yes, Miss India informed me, and I was very pleased to learn of it.” Winthrop stared in surprise. “You are feeling better now, sir?” “Oh, yes; quite fit, thank you.” “I’m very glad to hear it. I must apologize for not being at the station to welcome you, sir, but I gathered from your letter that you would not reach Corunna before to-morrow, and I thought that perhaps you would telegraph me again. I was obliged to drive into the country this afternoon on business, and only learned of your visit to my office when I returned. I then took the liberty of calling at the earliest moment.” “And I’m very glad you did,” answered Winthrop, heartily. “There’s a good deal I want to talk to you about.” “I am quite at your service, sir.” “Thanks, Major. Now, in the first place, where am I?” “Your pardon, Mr. Winthrop?” asked the Major, startledly. “I mean,” answered the other, with a smile, “is this Waynewood and does it belong to me?” “This is certainly Waynewood, sir, and I have gathered from your letter that you had come into possession of it.” “All right. Then who, if I may ask the question without seeming impertinent, who are the ladies down-stairs?” “Ah, Mr. Winthrop, I understand your question now,” returned the Major. “Allow me to explain. I would have done so before had there been opportunity, but your letter said that you were leaving New York at once and I presumed that there would be no time for an answer to reach you.” “Quite right, Major.”