I want to know
persons seven years before I can ask them how they do. To take me out to
dine in this way was of all things the most hopeless."
"But you do dine out in London."
"That's different. There's a certain routine of conversation going, and
one falls into it. At such affairs as that this evening one has to be
intimate or it is a bore. I don't mean to say anything against Lady
Eustace. Her beauty is undeniable, and I don't doubt her cleverness."
"She is sometimes too clever," said Frank.
"I hope she is not becoming too clever for you. You've got to remember
that you're due elsewhere; eh, old fellow?" This was the first word that
Herriot had said on the subject, and to that word Frank Greystock made no
answer. But it had its effect, as also did the gloomy looks of Miss
Macnulty, and the not unobserved presence of Mr. Andy Gowran on various
occasions.
Between them they shot more grouse--so the keeper swore--than had ever
been shot on these mountains before. Herriot absolutely killed one or two
himself, to his own great delight, and Frank, who was fairly skilful,
would get four or five in a day. There were excursions to be made, and the
air of the hills was in itself a treat to both of them.
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