Here lived the old bachelor rector, seventy years of age, given much to long absences when he could achieve them, and never on good terms with his bishop.

His two curates lived at Redicote, where there was a second church.

Belton Cottage, which was occupied by Colonel Askerton and Mrs.Askerton, was on the Amedroz property, and had been hired some two years since by the Colonel, who was then a stranger in the country and altogether unknown to the Belton people.

But he had come there for shooting, and therefore his coming had been understood.

Even as long ago as two years since, there had been neither use nor propriety in keeping the shooting for the squire's son, and it had been let with the cottage to Colonel Askerton.