’That’s all nonsense, Arthur; business is business, and not sentiment.  I never heard of a cotton mill yet that was run upon sentiment; nor did you.  And I tell you, it won’t pay.  I am speaking of business as business.  Paul and John Charteris will ruin Dane, if they can.’

‘They probably can,’ said Mr. Falkirk.  ’They will make a combination with other mill-owners and undersell him; and paying less wages they can afford to do it, for a time.  And a certain time will settle Rollo’s business.’

‘I think he has lost his wits,’ Prudentia repeated, for the third or fourth utterance.  ’Then another thing he has done—­But really, Arthur, my dear, we must go.’

‘O tell us some more!’ said Miss Kennedy.  ’We have not heard of any wits lost in this way, all winter; and it is quite exciting.  What next, Mrs. Coles?’

Prudentia laughed.

’How comes it he don’t tell you himself?  I thought you used to be such friends—­riding about everywhere.  But indeed we don’t see much of Dane now; he lives at his old nurse’s ever so much of the time; and comes scouring over the country on that bay horse of his, to consult papa about something;—­but I never see him, except through the window.  Sometimes he rides your brown horse, I think, Miss Kennedy.  I suppose he is keeping it in order for you.’

‘Well, that certainly does sound erratic!’ said Miss Kennedy, drawing a long breath.  ’I hope he will confine all new-fangled notions to the bay.’

‘He has taught that creature to stand still,’ said Mrs. Coles, looking at her.

’That must afford him immense satisfaction!  Rather hard upon the bay, though.’

‘He stands as still as a mountain,’ Prudentia went on, carrying on meanwhile privately a mental speculation about Wych Hazel;—­’he stands like a glossy statue, without being held, too; and comes when Dane snaps his fingers to him.’

’It only shews what unexpected docility exists in some natures,’ said Miss Kennedy with an unreadable face.

‘Come, Prudens—­tell your story and have done!’ said Dr. Arthur, speaking now.  ‘I have an appointment.’

‘I am quite ready,’ said Mrs. Coles starting up.  ’Dear me! we have stayed an unconscionable time, but Miss Kennedy will forgive us, being country people and going back to the country to-morrow.  Prim says Dane is coming down before long.’

‘Tell your story!’

’Miss Kennedy won’t care for it, and it will ruin Dane with Mr. Falkirk.  He has introduced something like English penny readings at Morton Hollow,’ said Prudentia, putting on her bonnet and turning towards Wych Hazel’s guardian.

‘What are penny readings?’ said Mr. Falkirk.