As this was the first friend of her husband who had come in her way, his wife regarded the stranger with some curiosity, which, however, was veiled by her quiet manner.
"I am glad to meet a friend of yours, Mr. Craven," she said, offering her hand.
"I have invited the colonel to supper, and pass the night with us, Mary."
"I am glad you did so. I will see that a chamber is got ready."
After she had left the room, Sharpley looked about him approvingly. "On my life, Craven, you are well provided for. This house is decidedly comfortable."
"It is the best in the village," said Craven, complacently.
"Evidently, your predecessor had taste as well as money. It is a pity that there is a little legal impediment in the way of your permanent enjoyment of all this luxury."
"Hush, hush, Sharpley!" said Mr. Craven, nervously. "You might be heard."
"So I might, and as that would interfere with my plans as well as yours, I will be careful. By the way, that's a good idea making me a colonel. It sounds well—Colonel Sharpley, eh? Let me see. I'll call myself an officer in the English service—served for a while in the East Indies, and for a short period in Canada."