"Is Jim able to keep up Langrigg properly?"
"He was not remarkably frank about this. He stated he might not be able to do all he would like."
"Well, I have no doubt you gave him good advice, and your trying to persuade him was generous."
Mordaunt thought he had been generous, because if he had persuaded Jim to rule in a way Bernard approved and the latter made him his heir, all that Jim got would be taken from the others. To some extent, he had been sincere, but he could not claim that he had done his best. A feeling of antagonism had sprung up and perhaps he had let this influence him.
"It's unfortunate Jim was obstinate," Mrs. Halliday went on. "His keeping these people is awkward, but after all it will cost him most, and he is one of us——."
"Jim has Langrigg," said Mordaunt, smiling. "Our duty is to acknowledge and, if needful, indulge him."
"I don't like you when you're ironical," Mrs. Halliday rejoined, and looking up saw that Evelyn had come in. She wondered how long the girl had been there.
"You don't look as if you were satisfied with your visit to Langrigg, Lance," Evelyn said as she sat down.
"I'm resigned."
"That's different from being satisfied. But you were plucky. The matter must have needed tactful management; Miss Winter is attractive."