especially as all the poets now are writing vague national songs, full

of slaughter and brag, like that 'Billy Blue' thing all our fishermen

are humming."

"You have nothing to do but to bide your time. In the long-run, fine

work is sure to make its way. Meanwhile I must apologise for praising

you to your face, in utter ignorance, of course. But it must have made

you feel uncomfortable."

"Not at all; far otherwise," said the truthful Frank. "It has been the

very greatest comfort to me. And strange to say, it came just when I

wanted it most sadly. I shall never forget your most kind approval."

"In that case I may take the liberty of introducing myself, I trust.

You have told me who you are, in the most delightful way. I have no such

claim upon your attention, or upon that of the world at large. I am

only the last of an ill-fated race, famous for nothing except ruining

themselves. I am Caryl Carne, of yonder ruin, which you, must have known

from childhood."

Frank Darling lifted his hat in reply to the other's more graceful

salutation, and then shook hands with him heartily. "I ought to

have known who you are," he said; "for I have heard of you often at

Springhaven. But you have not been there since I came down, and we

thought that you had left the neighbourhood. Our little village is

like the ear of the tyrant, except that it carries more false than true

sound. I hope you are come to remain among us, and I hope that we shall

see you at my father's house. Years ago I have heard that there used to

be no especial good-will between your family and mine--petty disputes

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