For now Estelle understood the past; but she had never wavered in her friendship with Sabina, any more than had diminished her sister-like attachment to Raymond. Now, as often, he regretted the attitude his child preserved towards him and expressed sorrow that he could not break down Abel's distrust.
"More than distrust, in fact, for the kid dislikes me," he said. "You know he does, Chicky. But I never can understand why, because he's always with his mother and Uncle Ernest, and Sabina doesn't bear me any malice now, to my knowledge. Surely the child must come round sooner or later?"
"When he's old enough to understand, I expect he will," she said. "But you'll have to be patient, Ray."
"Oh, yes—that's my strong suit nowadays."
"He's a clever little chap, so Sabina says; but he's difficult and wayward. He won't be friends with me."
Raymond changed the subject and praised the valley as it opened to the sea.
"What a jolly place! I believe there are scores of delightful spots at
Bridetown within a walk, and I'm always too busy to see them."
"That's certain. I could show you scores."
"I ought to know the place I live in, better. I don't even know the soil
I walk on—awful ignorance."
"The soil is oolite and clay, and the subsoil, which you see in the cliffs, is yellow sandstone—the loveliest, goldenest soil in the world," declared Estelle.