But the butler in his day had seen greater eccentricities than these; he had the greatest admiration for Mr.Juxon and was not inclined to cavil at small things.

A real gentleman, of the good sort, who dressed for dinner when he was alone, who never took too much wine, who never bullied the servants nor quarrelled unjustly with the bills, was, as the butler expressed it, "not to be sneezed at, on no account." The place was a little dull, but the functionary was well stricken in years and did not like hard work.

Mr.Juxon seemed to be conscious that as he never had visitors at the Hall and as there were consequently no "tips," his staff was entitled to an occasional fee, which he presented always with great regularity, and which had the desired effect.

He was a generous man as well as a just.
The traffic in roses and orchids and new books continued as usual between the Hall and the cottage, and for many weeks nothing extraordinary occurred.

Mrs.Ambrose and Mrs.Goddard met frequently, and the only difference to be observed in the manner of the former was that she mentioned John Short very often, and every time she mentioned him she fixed her grey eyes sternly upon Mrs.Goddard, who however did not notice the scrutiny, or, if she did, was not in the least disturbed by it.