"Yes," he said, smiling at the evidently recognised formula.
"I understood you only came down in May and October."
"So I do generally; but, seeing that the cottage is mine, I suppose I have the privilege of coming whenever I choose."
"The cottage is yours?" I said, in surprise.
"Undoubtedly. I bought it and its contents five years ago, and I run down whenever the spirit moves me."
I sat silent, looking at him.
"I CALLED HER AND PUT THE QUESTION."
"But if the cottage is yours," I said, at last, "how came that little scoundrel——"
"That's just what I have come down to find out," he said. "Now, tell me, Mr. Oxenham, from whom did you take the cottage?"