"I wonder why you thought it worth while to tell me," said Alice
Deringham. "Have I admitted that it was an affliction, or do you
suppose I am very frightened of a little indifferent tea?"

Seaforth laughed. "I can't fancy you so fond of it as the cook seems
to conclude, and I don't think indifferent was exactly the word. A
stronger one would have been appropriate. Still, though I am not sure
that you will understand me, I told you because I felt it was due to
Harry. You see, his attitude was really the correct one, and taking
him all round I am rather proud of him."

"Hasn't that an appearance of unnecessary patronage?" asked Miss
Deringham, who was slightly nettled.

Seaforth nodded. "It has," he said. "Only that the feeling is shared
by everybody in this district, it would be sheer presumption. Good
wine, you know, needs no bush."

He went away because he had a suspicion that Alton would be wanting
him, which was borne out when he found his comrade saddling a horse.

"Where are you going, Harry? We are not half way through with the
sawlogs," he said.

"No," said Alton dryly. "Still, if you work hard enough, you and Tom
should get them into the water before it's dark to-night. I'm going
right down to Horton's."

Seaforth laughed. "I thought you would. Horton has, however, as much
taste in china as the average mule. Don't leave it to him."