He also bagged two wood-pigeons which had flown all
the way from the Ballymoy House trees for the purpose of gorging
themselves on half-ripe gooseberries in the Major's garden. He then
rowed out in the boat about a mile from the shore, and had the
satisfaction of bathing in absolute solitude and diving as far as he
could into deep water. He had, as was natural, a fine appetite for
breakfast, and ate in a way which gratified Major Kent and afterwards
startled his housekeeper. But nature takes her revenges even on those
who seem best able to defy her. After breakfast Meldon settled himself
in a comfortable chair on the lawn, and was disinclined to move from
it. The Major went into his study to make up some accounts, and the
day being fine and warm, sat beside an open window. Meldon's chair was
only a short distance from the window, so that he was in a position to
carry on a conversation without raising his voice. For some time he
did not speak, for his morning pipe was particularly enjoyable. Then
he felt it necessary to make some excuse for his idleness.
"There's no use," he said, "my starting before eleven. Simpkins won't
be out of bed until late to-day.
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