He was walking back through the village, and met May there, who had been visiting.
“I have just been to see Mr. Carlingford,” he said.
May looked up quickly.
“I didn’t know——” she began. “Oh! old Mr. Carlingford. Yes. Did you get anything out of him?”
“I got a cheque,” said Mr. Douglas.
May laughed.
“Yes, that’s not so difficult, though it’s something to be thankful for. These poor creatures are half frozen.”
“Mr. Carlingford really is very generous. But is there no hope of getting hold of him really? He might do much more than he does.”
“I wonder. Tom Carlingford is coming home this week. He might do something with his father. I’ll ask my brother about it. By the way, we are dining there to-night. Are you going?”
“No, I’ve got my cheque,” said the young man. “That’s enough for one day. Besides, I have a boys’ meeting at Chipford Mills. I must leave you here. I have to go up to Breigton cottages first.”