"Mr Matheson," she explained, as the two shook hands, "is staying at Benfontein." "Yes, I know." The tone was short and lacked cordiality. "Mr Holman's friend, eh?" For the first time since his arrival in the district Matheson heard Holman's name spoken without friendliness; also the speaker gave it an un-English pronunciation; he had noticed that previously with the Kriges, and had put it down to the Dutch accent. It might be, he reflected, that Nel was jealous of Holman's popularity at Benfontein. "I was admiring your curious dwelling as we rode up," he said. "You've built on the native style. I like it." Nel was vain about his house: he unbent a little. "You must come and see it," he said. "Look in on your return. If I am not there, go inside. There are no secrets--it is open to inspection." He looked towards Honor. "You will be staying to breakfast? ... Leentje expects you." Honor hesitated; and Matheson, observing her hesitation, explained the difficulty. "Miss Krige doesn't trust me sufficiently to allow me to breakfast with her friends," he said, smiling. "We belong to opposite camps. Couldn't I inspect the rondavel while she delivers her message?" "So!" said Herman Nel, obviously at a loss to understand the position. "I thought you would have business with Cornelius. But I will be very pleased if you will breakfast with me instead. They will not let Miss Krige leave until after breakfast." He laid a hand on the sweat-darkened, satin neck of Honor's horse; and the beast turned its head and nosed him with friendly interest. The hand moved with the slow, rhythmic, caressing touch of the animal lover. He looked up at Honor smilingly. "There will be a lot for you to see. The baby has cut his first tooth; that is perhaps the most important thing. When you have seen everything and have had breakfast, come to my bachelor quarters and eat meiboss with us. I will take care of Mr Matheson." Still Honor appeared reluctant. Matheson could not but notice it; it seemed as though she hesitated to leave him with Herman Nel. "I think I ought not to stay," she said. "I think you will not be able to leave," Nel replied. "When Leentje tells me a thing is to be so, I accept it; it is less unpleasant to do that I like peace. You will not forget that I am expecting you to meiboss, and that I may not stay too long by my house?" "Cornelius will think it strange, perhaps, that Mr Matheson should breakfast with you," Honor suggested. "If Cornelius gives you to understand that he is either surprised or displeased, extend the invitation to meiboss to him and Leentje," he replied. She laughed, and flicked the reins a little vexedly, and rode on. Nel kept pace beside the second horse. Matheson, despite his protest, dismounted and walked on the other side. "Is this your first visit to this district, Mr Matheson?" he asked.