"Drat them," said Mrs. Petley vigorously, "but Master Rupert why did it pint to the copper beech."
"I can't say. Ask it when next you see it. But I must go to Major Tidman. He'll be angry if I keep him."
Mrs. Petley tossed her head and snorted. "The idear of old Farmer Tidman's son, being angry with the likes of you Master Rupert. I mind him when he was a brat of a lad and--"
"Yes--yes--but I must go," said Ainsleigh rather impatiently and left Mrs. Petley talking to the air.
Major Tidman, whose ears must have burnt at the thoughts, which occupied Mrs. Petley's brain was seated in the most comfortable arm-chair he could find, and smoked a good cigar. He had a bottle of port and a glass before him, and apparently had made himself at home while waiting.
"Hope you don't mind my making free with the wine-list," said Tidman, who looked rather uneasy, as he rose. "I've waited two hours."
"What about?" said Rupert, throwing his cap down and sinking wearily into a near chair, "anything wrong?"
"I am," said the Major, "all wrong my dear boy. You see in me a beast and a false friend."
"Indeed. How do you make that out?"
"I have been concealing things from you," said the Major ruefully, "and all to make money. I'm really getting avaricious, Ainsleigh," added the Major desperately, "and it's spoiling my character."