“The word is not mine,” she answered, “but I accept it willingly. I cannot interfere with Mr. Hurd’s decision as to the barn.”
“I am sorry,” he said slowly. “I must hold my meetings out of doors! That is all!”
There was a dangerous glitter in her beautiful eyes.
“There is no common land in the neighbourhood,” she said, “and you will of course understand that I will consider you a trespasser at any time you are found upon my property.”
He bowed slightly.
“I am here to speak to your people,” he said, “and I will do so, if I have to stop in these lanes and talk to them one by one. You will pardon my reminding you, madam, that the days of feudalism are over.”
Wilhelmina carefully shuffled the pack of cards which she had just taken up.
“We will finish our rubber, Peggy,” she said. “Mr. Deyes, perhaps I may trouble you to ring the bell!”
The young man was across the room before Deyes could move.