It arose from true equanimity; but it was the equanimity of a cold disposition rather than of one well ordered by discipline.

The squire was aware that he had been unreasonably petulant before dinner, and having taken himself to task in his own way, now entered the dining-room with the courteous greeting of a host.

"I find that your bag was not so bad after all," he said, "and I hope that your appetite is at least as good as your bag." Crosbie smiled, and made himself pleasant, and said a few flattering words.

A man who intends to take some very decided step in an hour or two generally contrives to bear himself in the meantime as though the trifles of the world were quite sufficient for him.

So he praised the squire's game; said a good-natured word as to Dingles, and bantered himself as to his own want of skill.