He was deep in his anticipations of the Soudan, when he heard his name called out softly in a woman's voice, and, looking up, found himself close by the rails.
"How do you do, Mrs.Adair ?" said he, and he stopped his horse.

Mrs.
Adair gave him her hand across the rails.

She was Durrance's neighbour at Southpool, and by a year or two his elder--a tall woman, remarkable for the many shades of her thick brown hair and the peculiar pallor on her face.

But at this moment the face had brightened, there was a hint of colour in the cheeks.
"I have news for you," said Durrance.

"Two special items.