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Well, of course the war has turned the hundreds into thousands. No doubt

the fellow was very useful to her. But you could have knocked us all down

with a feather when, three months ago, she suddenly announced that she

and Alfred were engaged! The fellow must be at least twenty years younger

than she is! It's simply bare-faced fortune hunting; but there you are--she is

her own mistress, and she's married him."

It must be a difficult situation for you all."

Difficult! It's damnable!"

Thus it came about that, three days later, I descended from the train at

Styles St. Mary, an absurd little station, with no apparent reason for

existence, perched up in the midst of green fields and country lanes. John

Cavendish was waiting on the platform, and piloted me out to the car.

Got a drop or two of petrol still, you see," he remarked. "Mainly owing to the

mater's activities."

The village of Styles St. Mary was situated about two miles from the little

station, and Styles Court lay a mile the other side of it. It was a still, warm

day in early July. As one looked out over the flat Essex country, lying so

green and peaceful under the afternoon sun, it seemed almost impossible to

believe that, not so very far away, a great war was running its appointed

course. I felt I had suddenly strayed into another world. As we turned in at

the lodge gates, John said:

I'm afraid you'll find it very quiet down here, Hastings."

My dear fellow, that's just what I want."

Oh, it's pleasant enough if you want to lead the idle life. I drill with the

volunteers twice a week, and lend a hand at the farms. My wife works

regularly 'on the land'. She is up at five every morning to milk, and keeps at

it steadily until lunchtime. It's a jolly good life taking it all round--if it

weren't for that fellow Alfred Inglethorp!" He checked the car suddenly, and

glanced at his watch. "I wonder if we've time to pick up Cynthia. No, she'll

have started from the hospital by now."

"Cynthia! That's not your wife?"

The Mysterious Affair at Styles