Sussex.

Yet, though looked at with some curiosity and reserve by his more
cultivated neighbours, he soon acquired a great popularity among
the villagers, subscribing handsomely to all local objects, and
attending their smoking concerts and other functions, where,
having a remarkably rich tenor voice, he was always ready to
oblige with an excellent song. He appeared to have plenty of
money, which was said to have been gained in the California gold
fields, and it was clear from his own talk and that of his wife
that he had spent a part of his life in America.

The good impression which had been produced by his generosity and
by his democratic manners was increased by a reputation gained
for utter indifference to danger. Though a wretched rider, he
turned out at every meet, and took the most amazing falls in his
determination to hold his own with the best. When the vicarage
caught fire he distinguished himself also by the fearlessness
with which he reentered the building to save property, after the
local fire brigade had given it up as impossible. Thus it came
about that John Douglas of the Manor House had within five years
won himself quite a reputation in Birlstone.

His wife, too, was popular with those who had made her
acquaintance; though, after the English fashion, the callers upon
a stranger who settled in the county without introductions were
few and far between. This mattered the less to her, as she was
retiring by disposition, and very much absorbed, to all
appearance, in her husband and her domestic duties. It was known
that she was an English lady who had met Mr. Douglas in London,