She glanced round for Dr. Ramsay, looking forward, notwithstanding that she was on the losing side, to the tussle she foresaw. She had the instincts of a good fighter, and, even though defeat was inevitable, never avoided an encounter. The doctor approached. “Well, Miss Ley. So you have come back to us. We’re all delighted to see you.” “How cordial these people are,” thought Miss Ley, somewhat crossly, thinking Dr. Ramsay’s remark preliminary to coarse banter or to reproach. “Shall we take a turn in the garden; I’m sure you wish to quarrel with me.” “There’s nothing I should like better--to walk in the garden, I mean: of course, no one could quarrel with so charming a person as yourself.” “He would never be so polite if he did not mean afterwards to be very rude,” thought Miss Ley. “I’m glad you like the garden.” “Craddock has improved it so wonderfully. It’s a perfect pleasure to look at all he’s done.” This Miss Ley considered a gibe, and searched for a repartee, but finding none was silent: Miss Ley was a wise woman! They walked a few steps without a word, and then Dr. Ramsay suddenly burst out-- “Well, Miss Ley, you were right after all.” She stopped and looked at the speaker--he seemed quite serious. “Yes,” he said, “I don’t mind acknowledging it. I was wrong. It’s a great triumph for you, isn’t it?” He looked at her, and shook with good-tempered laughter. “Is he making fun of me?” Miss Ley asked herself, with something not very distantly removed from agony. This was the first occasion upon which she had failed to understand not only the good doctor, but his inmost thoughts as well. “So you think the estate has been improved?” she said hurriedly. “I can’t make out how the man’s done so much in so short a time. Why, just look at it!” Miss Ley pursed her lips. “Even in its most dilapidated days Court Leys looked gentlemanly: now all this,” she glanced round with upturned nose, “might be the country mansion of a pork-butcher.” “My dear Miss Ley, you must pardon my saying so, but the place wasn’t even respectable.”