At the foot of this hill, certain plots of building land had been sold, and Mallalieu had bought one and Cotherstone another, and on these they had erected two solid stone houses, fitted up with all the latest improvements known to the building trade.

Each was proud of his house; each delighted in welcoming friends and acquaintances there--this was the first night Cotherstone could remember on which it was hateful to him to cross his own threshold.

The lighted windows, the smell of good things cooked for supper, brought him no sense of satisfaction; he had to make a distinct effort to enter and to present a face of welcome to his two guests, who were already there, awaiting him.
"Couldn't get in earlier," he said, replying to Lettie's half-anxious, half-playful scoldings.

"There was some awkward business turned up this evening--and as it is, I shall have to run away for an hour after supper--can't be helped.

How do you do, sir ?" he went on, giving his hand to the stranger.