It was by mere accident that I made that unlucky remark.

If anyone with me had said such a thing, it's more than likely I should have replied with your view of the matter.

You must remember that this district is quite strange to me.

Will you tell me something about it?
I am sure you had excellent reasons for building the mill; be so kind as to explain them to me." The listeners to this dialogue betrayed approval of the young man's demeanour.

Constance Bride, who had looked very grave indeed, allowed her features to relax; Mrs.Gallantry smiled a smile of conciliation, and her husband drew a sigh as if supremely edified.
Lady Ogram glanced at her secretary.
"Miss Bride, let him know my 'excellent reasons,' will you ?" "For a long time," began Constance, in clear, balanced tones, "the village of Shawe has been anything but prosperous.