A THOUSAND POUNDS Brooks had ridden a bicycle from Medchester, and his trousers and boots were splashed with mud.

His presence at Enton was due to an impulse, the inspiration of which he had already begun seriously to doubt.
Arranmore's kindly reception of him was more than ordinarily welcome.
"I am very glad to see you, Mr.Brooks," he said, holding out his hand.
"How comes it that you are able to take even so short a holiday as this?
I pictured you surrounded by canvassers and bill-posters and journalists, all clamouring for your ear." Brooks laughed, completely at his ease now, thanks to the unspoken cordiality of the other man.

He took the easy-chair which the servant had noiselessly wheeled up to him.
"I am afraid that you exaggerate my importance,--Lord Arranmore," he said.

"I was very busy early this morning, and I shall be again after four.

But I am allowed a little respite now and then." "You spend it very sensibly out of doors," Arranmore remarked.