“And you?” questioned Saltash, with a grimace at the ceiling.

“I too,” said Jake, “if it’s for the boy’s good.”

“You needn’t hold a pistol at my head,” protested Saltash.  “I shan’t put him in the way of any short cuts to the devil.  All I have to offer him is the post of bailiff at Burchester Castle, as old Bishop has got beyond his job.  I can’t turn the old beggar out, but I want a young man to take the burden off his shoulders.  Do you think that sort of thing would be beneath Bunny’s dignity, or likely to upset his morals?”

“He’d probably jump at the chance,” said Jake.

“Which is more than his worthy brother-in-law does on his behalf,” grinned Saltash.

“No,” Jake’s steady eyes met the gibe unfaltering.  “I know it’s a chance that doesn’t come every day, and I know you mean well by him.  I shan’t put any hindrance in the way.”

“Then it’s done,” said Saltash.  “Bunny’s fate is sealed.”

“I hope not.”  Jake still gravely watched him, but not as if he sought for anything in the baffling, mobile countenance.  “What do you want him for anyway?”

Saltash flicked the ash from his cigar.  “Perhaps I’m turning philanthropist, Jake.  Do you know the symptoms?  I’ve been anxious about myself several times lately.”

“Come on rather suddenly, hasn’t it?” suggested Jake.

Saltash nodded.  “It’s old age, I fancy.  Anyhow I’ve a notion for doing Bunny a good turn.  The boy can have play as well as work.  He can join the polo-club at Fairharbour.  I’ll introduce him.”

“And where will he live?” asked Jake.

“With the old Bishops of course.  He’ll be safe enough with them and within reach of you and Maud at the same time.  It’s time you eased the leading string a bit, you know.  He’ll start kicking if you don’t.”

“I don’t think so,” said Jake.  “He goes his own way already quite as much as is good for him.  I don’t need to hold him in very tight either.  He’s not the bolting sort.”

“You mean you’ve trained him well,” laughed Saltash.  “I congratulate you.  You’ve a genius for that sort of thing, Jake.  The boy will probably answer to your lightest touch and never even know he does it.”

“What was the other thing you wanted to say to me?” said Jake.

“Oh that!” Saltash’s eyes fell suddenly to his empty wine glass.  He fingered the stem of it for a few seconds with a curiously irresolute air.  “Do you know I think I’ll put it to Maud first!” he said at length, with a smile that was faintly shamefaced.

“It’ll come to the same thing,” said Jake.

Saltash’s eyes flashed upwards.  He met Jake’s look almost with defiance.  “Doubtless you are master in your own house, Jake,” he said.  “Far be it from me to question it.”

“I didn’t mean that,” said Jake.  “What I meant was,” the red-brown eyes began to smile, “that Maud and I are friends—­and we generally want the same thing.”