No doubt applications for shares were pouring in by the early posts and by telegram, and from time to time Mr.Jeffreys respectfully reported their number and amount, while Sir Robert looked unconcerned and Mr.Haswell rubbed his hands and whistled cheerfully.

Almost he could envy them, these men who were realizing great fortunes amidst the bustle and excitement of that fierce financial life, whilst he stood penniless and stared at the trees and the ewes which wandered among them with their lambs, he who, after all his work, was but a failure.

With a sigh he turned away to fetch his cap and go out walking--there was a tenant whom he must see, a shifty, new-fangled kind of man who was always clamouring for fresh buildings and reductions in his rent.

How was he to pay for more buildings?
He must put him off, or let him go.
Just then a sharp sound caught his ear, that of an electric bell.

It came from the telephone which, since he had been a member of a City firm, he had caused to be put into Yarleys at considerable expense in order that he might be able to communicate with the office in London.
"Were they calling him up from force of habit ?" he wondered.