It was not all acting; he had meant to give those matters some attention when he found it convenient, and she was far from suspicious and was quick to take the most favorable view of any one. That he recognized his duties and intended to discharge them gratified her. "I think," she told him, "that if you undertake these things in earnest, you'll be better for the occupation; and they certainly need looking after." "I've been slack," he owned. "I seemed to lose interest and, as I said, I've had difficulties to distract me." He had struck the right note again. Anything of the nature of a confession or appeal for sympathy seldom failed to stir her. "In fact," he resumed, "I'm not clear of troubles now. If I do half that I'm asked to do, it will nearly ruin me, and I don't know where to begin. I haven't any great confidence in Grierson's advice; he doesn't seem to grip things readily." "The trouble is that he has his favorites," she said bluntly. "I don't think he suffers from any lack of understanding." "What do you mean?" It was unpleasant, but she had courage and the man was doing Clarence harm. "Well, there are people who can get very much what they ask Grierson for, in the shape of repairs and improvements, whether they need it or not." "At my expense, while the rest get less than they should have?" "A number of your tenants have got practically nothing for some years. It's false economy; you'll have to lay out twice as much as would keep them here satisfied, when they leave you in disgust." She supplied him with several instances of neglect, and a few clever suggestions, and he looked at her in admiration which was only partly assumed. "What an administrator you would have made!" he exclaimed. "The place would thrive in your hands and everybody be content. It's obvious, quite apart from his good qualities, why George was so popular." Millicent did not suspect him of an intent to flatter her, and she recognized that there was truth in what he said. She knew everybody on the estate and knew their most pressing needs, and she undoubtedly possessed the power of management. She had a keen discernment and could arrive at a quick and just decision. "Clarence," she said, "I shouldn't advise you to take the business altogether out of Grierson's hands. He's honest, so far as you are concerned, and one or two of the hardest things he did were by your orders." "You mean the Milburn and Grainger affair?" He showed a little embarrassment. "Well, perhaps I was hasty then, but they would have exasperated a much more patient man. I sometimes feel that I can't please these people, whatever I do." She smiled at this. "They're not effusive, but they're loyal once you win their confidence. But, to go back to Grierson--let him collect payments and handle the money, but don't ask his advice as to how you will lay it out. Look around, inquire into things, and trust your own judgment." He turned to her beseechingly.