It was Mr Farquhar, Mr Bradshaw's partner; he had been on the Continent for the last year, and had only recently returned.

He seemed perfectly at home, but spoke little.

He leaned back in his chair, screwed up his eyes, and watched everybody; yet there was nothing unpleasant or impertinent in his keenness of observation.

Ruth wondered to hear him contradict Mr Bradshaw, and almost expected some rebuff; but Mr Bradshaw, if he did not yield the point, admitted, for the first time that evening, that it was possible something might be said on the other side.

Mr Farquhar differed also from Mr Benson, but it was in a more respectful manner than Mr Bradshaw had done.