“The Anglo-Saxons are gatherers and builders,” Mrs. Carson observed. “Our aim is permanence and stability. The things we get we make better. For example, Netherdale was a dreary bog, but we turned the floods by dykes; we drained and planted and built——”
“Your work stands,” said Jasper Carson. “Netherdale’s a noble monument, but it cost three hundred years’ effort. Something of a job!”
Evelyn looked up, for she had not heard Jasper arrive. He leaned against the wall and smiled, but she knew his humor was generally stern.
“Sometimes the Anglo-Saxons used another plan; they took the goods others gathered,” he resumed. “At the beginning Frisians and Danes sharpened their battle-axes and drove the long galleys for the Humber and the Wash. In later days their descendants steered for the Spanish Main. The tradition is, Netherhall folk bought ships, and although they carried little abroad, they brought rich cargoes back. Perhaps Kit is their type; I doubt if he’s a gatherer.”
“Kit does not spring from Netherhall stock,” said Mrs. Carson.
“It is rather evident,” Jasper agreed.
Alan looked up, as if he were annoyed. “All the same, he’s my nephew and when he’s not at the ship-yard Netherhall’s his home.” He gave Kit a friendly touch. “You know that, my lad!”
“I have known it since I knew you, sir.”
“Oh, well,” said Alan, “when people philosophize I get bored and I think I’ll go for a drink. Are you coming, Jasper?”
Jasper remained, and by and by Mrs. Haigh and Mrs. Carson went to the house.