"And, above all, the situation," he added as he looked at the magnificent view, the opal lake mirroring the distant mountains, flecked by the sunlight and the drifting clouds.
"Yes, I was fortunate in getting it," remarked Sir Stephen.
Instantly there flashed across Stafford's mind--and not for the first time that morning--the words Ida Heron had spoken respecting the way in which Sir Stephen had obtained the land.

Looking straight before him, he asked: "How did you get it, sir?
I have heard that it was difficult to buy land here for building purposes." "Yes, I fancy it is," replied Sir Stephen, quite easily.

"Now you speak of it, I remember my agent said there was some hitch at first; but he must have got over it in some way or other.

He bought it of a farmer." Stafford drew a breath of relief.

"This is the Italian garden; the tennis and croquet lawns are below this terrace--there's not time to go down.