Forgetful of his good manners, Cotley stared mutely at this lovely face, until recalled to himself by a murmur of amusement from the rest of the party. “When you have recovered your tongue, mine host, we shall be glad if you will introduce yourself,” remarked one of the gentlemen. “I myself must own to no little curiosity about you. Pray, man, are you a hermit, that you live thus in what seems to be absolute solitude? Split me, if I’ve seen a living soul about the place except yourself!” “Sir,” returned the other, with a start and a blush, “my name is John Cotley, at your service. I am, as I think is easily seen, a gentleman of somewhat limited means. Had you come before sundown you might have observed a few of my labourers busy on the premises—when they leave, I own, with the exception of my old housekeeper, I am alone in the house.” Looking round on the curious and surprised faces he added, stiffly, with a certain boyish pride: “My family met with reverses before I succeeded to this small estate, and, if I am to live here at all, I must perforce practise great economy and see but little company.” “Poor fellow!” said a soft voice, which was not meant to reach his ears; but John heard nevertheless, and marked that the bright eyes of the youthful beauty were fixed on him with an expression at once of interest and compassion. But the others were not so considerate— “Economy!” quoth Tufty, with a grimace. “Sir,” cried Harry earnestly, “you have my sympathy, but I trust for all our sakes that there is at least some drinkable beer to be had on your premises.” “Or at any rate a dish of tea,” put in one of the elder ladies. “Pray, sir, let the matter have your attention, for I assure you we are positively faint.” “A roast fowl would not come amiss,” added the other matron, whose appearance was indeed suggestive of good-living, for her large person seemed to be bursting out of her silk sacque, and her face was as plump as it was good-humoured. “Such a thing should easy be come by in the country—a platter of ham and eggs with it.” She paused, looking almost beseechingly at her bewildered entertainer. “Speed, sir,” chimed in Tufty, “speed—despatch for heaven’s sake!” “Sirs,—ladies, I go at once,” cried John, starting towards the door. “Meanwhile be seated, I beg. I regret with all my heart I have no good entertainment to offer you, but I will do my best.”