“She’s not over sixty—and you know it. You’re by no means as blind as you would have me believe. In fact, now that I think of it, there was something about her that seems familiar.”

“You’re an adept in many things,” laughed Macloud, “but, I reckon, you’re not up to recognizing a brown coat and a brown hat. I think I’ve seen the combination once or twice before on a woman.”

“Well, what about tea-time—shall we go over?” demanded Croyden.

“I haven’t the slightest objection——”

“Really!”

“——to your going along with me—I’m expected!”

“Oh! you’re expected, are you! pretty soon it 256 will be: ‘Come over and see us, won’t you?’”

“I trust so,” said Macloud, placidly.—“But, as you’re never coming back to Northumberland, it’s a bit impossible.”

“Oh! damn Northumberland!” said Croyden.

“I’ve a faint recollection of having heard that remark before.”