He hardly speaks to anybody except on business.

The mess regard him as a wet blanket, and his men don't care about him, though he's a capital officer.

Isn't it strange, when one thinks of what Aubrey used to be five years ago ?' Alice agreed.

Perhaps he was still suffering from the effects of his wound in 1915.
'Anyway he can't give Beryl up,' said Margaret with energy, 'if he's a man of honour!' Alice shrugged her shoulders.
'Then he'll give up the estate, according to father.' 'Desmond would give it back to him, if there's anything left of it, or if he wants it.' 'Margaret!' 'You think I don't care about the family--that there should always be a Mannering of Mannering?
Yes, I do care, but there are so many other things now to care about,' added Mrs.Strang slowly.
'Who's making me late now ?' said Alice, looking at her watch.
Margaret took the hint and departed.
* * * * * That same evening, in the September dusk, a dog-cart arrived at the Hall, bringing Major Mannering and a Gladstone bag.
Pamela and Desmond rushed out to meet him.

Their elder sisters were dressing for dinner, and the Squire was in the library with Elizabeth.