CHAPTER XXVI.
"'Tis not for every one to catch a salmon." Every one who knows Middleshire knows that the little lake of Beaumere is bounded on the one side by the Westhope and on the other by the Wilderleigh property, the boundary being the ubiquitous Drone, which traverses the mere in a desultory fashion, and with the assistance of several springs makes Beaumere what it is, namely (to quote from the local guide-book), "the noblest expanse of water surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in Middleshire." Thither Doll and Hugh took their way in the leisurely manner of men whose orthodoxy obliges them to regard Sunday as a day of rest.
Doll pointed out to Hugh the coppice which his predecessor, Mr.George Loftus, had planted.

Hugh regarded it without excitement.

Both agreed that it was coming on nicely.

Hugh thought that he ought to do a little planting at his own place.

Doll said, "You can't do everything at once." A large new farm was the next object of interest.