"No actual damage would be done if I did miss it. Still, I'd rather be there; I promised to meet some friends."
"Then I conclude you agree with me and will buy?"
"Certainly; it will be a great stroke of business. I wonder if others are thinking of the same thing?"
"They do not know as much as we—yet," replied Fraser.
"Will you join me at Trent Park for the weekend?" said Alan. "There will be no visitors."
"With pleasure," replied Fraser. "I always enjoy a few days at your lovely place."
On Friday Duncan went to Trent Park. Alan welcomed him cordially, although he had half repented asking him: the manager's presence always seemed to subdue everything, even Alan's exuberant spirits. This feeling, however, quickly vanished on the present occasion, for Duncan Fraser was in an unusually cheerful mood and for once in a way left business behind him.
Alan had to meet a prospective buyer at the Stud, and as Duncan knew nothing, and cared less, about horses he preferred to go for a stroll in the Park. During his walk he met Eve Berkeley and her friend, Ella Hallam. The manager saw little of ladies' society, but he knew Eve and liked her; he could hardly fail to be attracted by her.
He went to The Forest with them and remained for lunch. He knew Alan would not miss him, probably surmise where he was. He rather liked Ella, she was unaffected and talked freely on many subjects; when he left she told Eve she thought him a very agreeable man.
Eve laughed as she replied: