I have some literary work I do not wish to lay aside, and I think of taking up my quarters at the Crow's Nest, where I can combine country air and work." "Then you will be our neighbour," and Dinah's voice expressed such satisfaction at the prospect that Malcolm felt quite pleased.

"What a pity Cedric will be away most of August--the dear boy has so many engagements." But Malcolm, who was extremely truthful, did not endorse this regret.

Cedric was a nice enough fellow, he thought, but he did not always know when he was not wanted, and at times his lively chatter was a weariness to the flesh.
"I expect I shall see something of him," was all he could bring himself to say.

"But you may depend on me for getting information about the Jacobis.

I am a little curious myself on the subject," he added with the frankness that was natural to him; and then, as the sound of approaching footsteps reached them, they mutually dropped the subject..