It was the right thing wrongly said--at least, inadequately said. It was civil, not cordial. They made a contrast, these men. Fillingford was too negative, Octon too positive. One defended where none attacked, the other attacked where no offense had been given. Unnecessary reserve against uncalled-for aggression! Fillingford was not popular--Octon was hated. Octon did not mind the hatred--did Fillingford feel the lack of liking? His reserve baffled me: I could not tell. With all Octon's faults, friendship with him seemed easier--and more attractive. The path might be rough--but the gate was not locked. "Sure, Mr. Austin, it's time for the prizes?" said Lady Sarah. It was not time, but I hastily said that it was, and with some relief escorted her to the platform. The rest followed, after, I suppose, a formal greeting to the unwelcome Prodigal; he himself did not come with us. When Lady Sarah had distributed the prizes, I made a little speech on my chief's behalf--a speech of welcome to county and to town. Fillingford replied first, his speech was like himself--proper, cold, composed. Then Bindlecombe got up, mopping his forehead--the Mayor was apt to get hot--but making no mean appearance with his British solidity of figure, his shrewd face, and his sturdy respect for the office he exercised by the will of his fellow-citizens. "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen--as Mayor of Catsford I have just one word to say on behalf of the borough. We thank the generous lady who has welcomed us here to-day. We look forward to welcoming her when she's ready for us. All Catsford men are proud of Nicholas Driver. He did a great deal for us--maybe we did something for him. He wasn't a man of words, but he was proud of the borough as the borough was proud of him. From what I hear, I think we shall be proud of Miss Driver, too--and I hope she'll be proud of the borough as her father was before her. We wish her long life and prosperity." Bravo, Bindlecombe! But Lady Sarah looked astonishingly sour. There was something almost feudal in the relationship which the Mayor's words suggested. Jenny as Overlord of Catsford would not be to Lady Sarah's liking. I got rid of them; I beg pardon--they civilly dismissed me. Only young Lacey had for me a word of more than formality. He did me the honor to ask my opinion--as from one gentleman to another. "I say, do you think Octon had a right to say that?" "The retort was justifiable--strictly." "He need hardly----" "No, he needn't." "Well, good-by, Mr. Austin. I say--I'd like to come and see you. Are you ever at home in the evenings?" "Always just now. I should be delighted to see you." "Evenings at the Manor aren't very lively," he remarked ingenuously. "And I've left school for good, you know." The last words seemed to refer--distantly--to Leonard Octon. Without returning to that disturbing subject I repeated my invitation and then, comparatively free from my responsibilities, repaired alone to the terrace.