"Never, Flicker, never," replied the earl, impressively "on that word of honor which her ladyship believes would fetch so little if put up for sale. I have been very near it, though, once or twice--very near it indeed--but Providence has always intervened."
Her ladyship turned away in a huff.
There was an interval of silence. Mr. Flicker was engaged in tying up his documents, and the earl was watching him.
"May I ask whether you have formed any plans for the future?" asked the dowager, presently.
"No plans in particular. I think that I shall go and live at Brimley, at least for some time to come."
"At Brimley! Why, that is only sixteen miles from Ringwood."
"Precisely so. We shall be neighbors. A dozen miles, more or less, are not of much consequence in the country."
The countess did not look over well pleased. "What is your object in choosing Brimley for a residence?" she asked.
"I lived near there with my father when a lad, and I still retain some pleasant recollections of it, so that the place will not seem altogether strange to me. In addition to which, I see from an advertisement in today's Times that 'Laurel Cottage' there is to be let on lease--the very place to suit an elderly bachelor of limited means and unambitious tastes. I shall run down there to-morrow and see about it."
"Well, sir, I hope that when next I see you I shall find some improvement in your toilet and general appearance."