CHAPTER VII

ALTON BLUNDERS

Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any
understanding with its owner. This, however, did not cause him any
great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on
a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining
health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley. He
was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for
the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested
in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a
favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial
anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in
any discussion respecting Carnaby. Alton had in the meanwhile quietly
avoided the subject.

Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter
on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley. It was very
still and peaceful, and trails of white mist crept about the pines,
while, though the paling light still lingered high up upon the snow, a
crescent moon was growing into visibility against the steely blueness
behind the eastern shoulder of a hill. Deringham, however, was
listening for the thud of hoofs, and wondering if the mounted man sent
down to the settlement would bring any letters for him. His daughter
sat close by him, dreamily watching the darkness roll higher about the
pines. She had not as yet grown tired of Somasco, and found its owner
an interesting study. He was of a type that was new to her, and the
girl of a somewhat inquiring disposition.