“They were great people once in the county were the Norcotts,” put in Mrs. Beacham. “I’ve heard old Mrs. Parsons--she that was mother to the fly-away thing that keeps the shop at Leigh now--say, times and over, that Madam Norcott--which she’s nothing better than Mrs. Baker now--used to buy gownds of her that a duchess might have wored; and she could afford it too; and it was a pity that this young man made ducks and drakes of everything, for it was him, warn’t it, John, that brought the family down to what it is?” Before her son could answer, which he was about to do in the affirmative, the well-known proverb having reference to a certain gentleman in black who shall be nameless, was once more unsatisfactorily illustrated by the reappearance on the scene of the spendthrift in question. Coming this time totally unawares upon the unsuspecting trio, it was impossible for John to evade, as he had before done, the meeting with a man of whose character and principles he entertained the worst possible opinion. The object of his dislike came forward with a _dégagée_ air, and after nodding in a patronising manner to John, stopped in the middle of the broad turf-covered walk, thus effectually barring the passage. “Fine day! Looked like rain this morning. Your wife, eh, Beacham? Happy to be introduced. We’re kinder pardners now, as the Yankees say, and you must wish me good luck, Mrs. Beacham, with Rough Diamond. Ladies have all the luck in racing, and I shall expect you’ll remember me in your prayers.” “I hear the colt is looking well,” John said stiffly. “I’ve no interest in him myself now he’s out of Mr. Vavasour’s hands;” and he was moving on, when Colonel Norcott, stepping on one side, joined himself (walking on Honor’s side) to the party. “Been riding lately, Mrs. Beacham?” he said coolly. “That little mare of yours is a pretty goer; but then, who should be well mounted if you are not? Of course you had the pick of your husband’s stables, and there’s nothing like them, I always say. Such luck, too, Beacham, your stock have. By George! I expect to make a pot of money out of Rough Diamond.” “I hope you won’t be disappointed, sir,” said John drily. “And now,” stopping dead short, and looking resolutely at a turn in the road which led (at right-angles) in another direction, “and now I believe that we must wish you good-morning. I am a business man; and as I don’t often afford myself a day’s leisure, I wish to make the most of it;” and having so said, he bowed with grave civility to the Colonel, and drew his womankind away.