thing in the long run the way the women get fond of me. Though it’s nice enough in some ways while it lasts!’ he added, as if in unwilling recognition of fact. As the path debouched on the highroad he said to himself half aloud:

‘Well, she’s a mighty fine girl, anyhow! And if she is red I’ve had about enough of the black! � That Spanish girl is beginning to kick too! I wish I had never come across � ‘

‘Shut up, you fool!’ he said to himself as he walked on.

When he got home he found a letter from his father. He took it to his room before breaking the seal. It was at least concise and to the point:

‘The enclosed has been sent to me. You will have to deal with it