Clinton, yawning. "My uncle had two or three--bigger than that, of
course."
Philip saw that his friend was not interested in amateur
property-making, and changed the subject.
"What have you been doing this morning?" said he.
"I drove here with my father, who had got to pass your gates. I say,
there's splendid shooting on the marsh now. I want you to come out
with me, and we'll pot a wild duck or two."
"I've no gun," said Philip, and to soften the statement added,
"there's no one here to go out with."
"I'll go out with you. And I say, we could just catch the train back
to the town, and if you'll come and lunch with us, we'll go out a bit
this afternoon and look round. But you must get a gun."
"I should like some fresh air," said Philip, "and as you've come over
for me--"
I knew the appealing tone in his voice was for my ears, for my face
had fallen.
"Could I be going on with it?" I asked, nodding towards the forest
scene.
"Oh dear no! I'll go at it again to-night. It ought all to be painted
by candlelight by rights. I'm not going to desert my post," he added.
"I hope not," said I as good-humouredly as I could; but dismay was in
my heart.
CHAPTER VII.
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