'My dear,' said Mr. Battishill, 'you have often let me see that you disapproved of my speculations, as if I must be blind. But see! here at last, in Upaver, I have hit on one that will succeed.'
'You have hit on it, father, for others to make fortunes out of it. You have hit on it as West Wyke is slipping from us.'
CHAPTER XVII.
IN THE SUMMER-HOUSE.
As John Herring entered the gates of Dolbeare, he saw Mirelle go into the summer-house. This summer-house stood at the edge of the terrace between the garden-gate and the house.
He desired to see her alone, and therefore, before going to the front door, he turned to the garden lodge and stood in the doorway.
Mirelle saw him and bowed slightly. Herring went in, and up to her. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she held out her hand.
He took it, but he might as well have touched an icicle. No token of pleasurable recognition appeared in her face.
'You are surprised to see me,' said Herring, 'I dare say.'
'Not at all,' she answered. 'Why should I be? I know nothing of your movements. If you had told me you were going to Moscow, and I had seen you start in that direction, I should be surprised to see you here now; but as I know neither where you live nor what places you frequent, there is nothing in your reappearance to justify surprise.'