He had, of course, perceived how close were the attentions paid by Mr.Maule to Miss Palliser, and he thought that he perceived that Miss Palliser did not accept them with thorough satisfaction.

On his way back to Harrington Hall he made some inquiries, and was taught to believe that Mr.Maule was not a man of very high standing in the world.

Mr.Spooner himself had a very pretty property of his own,--which was all his own.

There was no doubt about his furniture, or about the roof at Spoon Hall.

He was Spooner of Spoon Hall, and had been High Sheriff for his county.