Tallente found her seated behind a desk, talking to a tall man in riding clothes, who swung around to eye the newcomer with a curiosity which seemed somehow not altogether friendly.

Lady Jane held out her hand and smiled delightfully.
"Do come in, Mr.Tallente," she begged.

"I can't tell you how glad I am to see you.

Now you will believe, won't you, that I am not altogether an idler in life?
This is my agent, Mr.Segerson--Mr.
Tallente." Lionel Segerson held out his hand.

He was a tall, well-built young Devonian, sunburnt, with fair curly hair, a somewhat obstinate type of countenance, and dressed in the dandified fashion of the sporting farmer.
"Glad to know you, Mr.Tallente," he said, in a tone which lacked enthusiasm.