At the distance of a mile and a half from Polterham lay an estate which had long borne the name of Highmead.

Here had dwelt three successive generations of Glazzards.

The present possessor, by name William, was, like his father and grandfather, simply a country gentleman, but, unlike those respectable ancestors, had seen a good deal of the world, and only settled down amid his acres when he was tired of wandering.
His age at present was nearing fifty.

When quite a young man, he had married rather rashly--a girl whose acquaintance he had made during a voyage.

In a few years' time, he and his wife agreed to differ on a great many topics of moment, and consequently to live apart.