"
"What a funny idea!"
"'Twas a failure. Sort of a gentleman farmer had the notion he knew
better than others, and tried it on year after year till he made a
laughing-stock of himself. Anyhow, that's the tale. Mr. Bates has
shown me the basis of the pits--built over now by the buildings you
were looking at. Ah, here is the old fellow."
Mr. Bates driving toward them in his gig pulled up, and invited Dale
to do so also.
"How are you, William?" And he took off his hat to Mrs. Dale. "Your
servant, madam. Turn head about, William, and come into my place and
take a bit of refreshment."
"No, thank you, Mr. Bates. Not to-day. Some other time."
"No time like the present. A cup of tea, Mrs. Dale. I don't care to
see those I count as friends pass my place without stopping."
"I know you mean what you say," said Dale cordially; "but we're for
Old Manninglea--business appointment."
"Then I mustn't hinder you. But look in on your way back. Your
servant, madam."
Mavis liked the fresh clean complexion and the silvery white hair of
Mr. Bates, and there was something very pleasing in his old-fashioned
mode of address, his courteous way of saluting her, and his gentle
friendly smile as he spoke to her husband.
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