Real interest he felt little or none; the processes of manufacture belonged to a world to which he had never given the slightest thought, which in truth repelled him.

But he tried to persuade himself that he saw everything from a philosophical point of view, and found a place for it in his system.

The folk employed he regarded attentively and saw that they looked healthy, well cared for.
"This must all be very gratifying to Lady Ogram," he remarked, in a voice which struck just the right note of dignified reflection.
"I understand that it is," replied the manager.

"And to Miss Bride also, no doubt." "Does Miss Bride take an active interest in the mill ?" "In the hands, she does.

She is an uncommon sort of young lady and, I should say, makes her influence felt." As this was the most direct statement which the Scotchman had committed himself during their hour together, it correspondingly impressed Lashmar.