Very vulgar, but the house is charming. It was so
exciting, for the elections were on, and the Hestons, who are the great
people in that part of the country, were always calling. Dear Lady
Julia is so clever. Did you ever meet Mr. Marsham, by any chance?"
"Not that I remember. I know the Hestons of course. Julia is my
cousin."
The lady was silenced. "But I thought," she murmured. "I thought--they
were--" She broke off with a cough.
"Yes, I spent a good many of my school holidays at Heston."
Alice broke in with a question about the Manorwaters. The youthful Mr.
Thompson, who, apart from his solicitor's profession, was a devotee of
cricket, asked in a lofty way if Mr. Haystoun cared for the game.
"I do rather. I'm not very good, but we raised an eleven this year in
the glen which beat Gledsmuir."
The notion pleased the gentleman. If a second match could be arranged
he might play and show his prowess. In all likelihood this solemn and
bookish laird, presumably brought up at home, would be a poor enough
player.
"I played a lot at school," he said. "In fact I was in the Eleven for
two years and I played in the Authentics match, and once against the
Eton Ramblers. A strong lot they were."
"Let me see. Was that about seven years ago? I seem to remember."
"Seven years ago," said Mr. Thompson. "But why? Did you see the
match?"
"No, I wasn't in the match; I had twisted my ankle, jumping.
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