200 GARRYOWEN 



over-complimentary. She could not in the least 

 understand what was the matter with him. 

 Ever since his return to Drumgool, whilst her 

 mind had been engaged in the intricate problem 

 of Mr French's affairs, her subliminal mind had 

 been engaged in the equally intricate problem 

 presented by the conduct of Mr French and Mr 

 Dashwood. There were times when, alone with 

 her supposititious uncle, the original man in him 

 seemed just about to speak the old language of 

 original man to original woman. There were 

 times when, alone with Mr Dashwood, the same 

 natural phenomenon seemed about to happen. 

 Yet something always intervened; French would 

 seem to remember something, check himself, 

 turn the conversation, and with the bad grace of 

 a bad actor playing a repugnant part change 

 from warmth to indifference. Dashwood, even 

 a worse actor than French, would, as in the present 

 instance, suddenly, and for no apparent reason, 

 become almost rude. 



Not in the least understanding the position of 

 the two gentlemen one towards the other, and 

 the fact that they looked upon each other as 

 rivals in a game whose rules of honour had to be 

 observed, she had passed from amusement to 

 vague amazement when these sudden changes of 

 temperature took place, and from amazement 

 to irritation. 



" Perhaps," said Miss Grimshaw, " you never 

 feel the necessity." 



i 



