"I hate town," grumbled Warren.
"Then why go there?"
"Because it is so deuced dull at the Manor when there is no hunting on."
"The selfish beggar," thought the Squire, as he said aloud, "And do you not think it is dull for Irene when you are away?"
"She is generally at Hazelwell, and you are excellent company, Squire."
"Am I? Much you know about it. Let me tell you if it had not been for Irene I should have had a fit of the blues that would have got the best of me a few nights back. Perhaps you can imagine what night it was?" said the Squire.
"No, I cannot; but, anyway, I am glad she was here to cheer you up. I told her to ride over and see you."
"Have you forgotten what happened over two years ago?"
He could not pretend to misunderstand, although they were getting on rather dangerous ground.
"You mean the night Ulick left home?"