Still, a gentleman, in the restricted sense, is somewhat of an anachronism on the prairie, and it is too late to begin again.

In the usual course of nature I must lay down my charge presently, and that is why I feel the want of a more capable successor, whom they would follow because of his connection with mine and me." Dane looked thoughtful.

"If I am not taking a liberty--you still consider the one apparently born to fill the place quite unsuitable ?" "Yes," said Barrington quietly.

"I fear there is not a redeeming feature in Courthorne's character." Neither said anything further, until there was a tapping at the door, and, though this was a most unusual spectacle on the prairie, a trim English maid in white-banded dress stood in the opening.
"Mr.Courthorne, Miss Barrington," she said.
Now Silverdale had adopted one Western custom in that no chance guest was ever kept waiting, and the music ceased suddenly, while the stillness was very suggestive, when a man appeared in the doorway.

He wore one of the Scandinavian leather jackets which are not uncommon in that country, and when his eyes had become accustomed to the light, moved forward with a quiet deliberation that was characterized neither by graceful ease nor the restraint of embarrassment.