Whose ears have heard
    The Ancient Word,
    Who walked among the silent trees.

Not that Nature in any form or any measure had supplanted his thoughts of Jane.  She had been the dominant note in every reflection during all the journey.  Mountain and stream, birds and trees and shifting clouds had only served as the beautiful background against which he set her in unfading beauty and tenderness.  For he was sure that she loved him and he believed that Love would yet redeem the past.

During his absence she had written him the most affectionate and charming letters and when the train reached Hatton-in-Elmete, she was waiting to receive him.  He had a very pardonable pride in her appearance and the attention she attracted pleased him.  In his heart he was far prouder of being Jane’s husband than of being master of Hatton.  She had driven down to the train in her victoria, and he took his seat proudly at her side and let his heart fully enjoy the happy ride home in the sunshine of her love.

A delightful lunch followed and John was glad that the presence of servants prevented the discussion of any subject having power to disturb this heavenly interlude.  He talked of the approaching war, but as yet there was no tone of fear in his speculations about its effects.  He told her of his visits to her uncle, and of the evenings they had spent together at Lord Harlow’s club; or he spoke in a casual way of Harry’s coming to Yoden and of little external matters connected with the change.

But as soon as they were alone Jane showed her disapproval of this movement.  “Whatever is bringing your brother back to the North?” she asked.  “I thought he objected both to the people and the climate.”

“I advised him to take Ramsby’s offer for Yoden.  The children needed the country and Harry was not as I like to see him.  I think they will be very happy at Yoden.  Harry always liked living on the land.  He was made to live on it.”

“I thought he was made to fiddle and sing,” said Jane with a little scornful laugh.

“He does both to perfection, but a man’s likes and dislikes change, as the years go by.”

“Yes, plenty of women find that out.”

Her tone and manner was doubtful and unpleasant, the atmosphere of the room was chilled, and John said in a tentative manner, “I will now ride to Hatton Hall.  Mother is expecting me, I know.  Come with me, Jane, and I will order the victoria.  It is a lovely afternoon for a drive.”

“I would rather you went alone, John.”

“Why, my dear?”

“It will spare me telling you some things I do not care to speak about.”

“What is wrong at Hatton Hall?”

“Only Mrs. John Hatton.”

Then John was much troubled.  The light went out of his eyes and the smile faded from his face and he stood up as he answered,

“You have misunderstood something that mother has said.”