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Ward, Mrs. Humphry, 1851-1920

"Elizabeth's Campaign"

His manners were always brusque and
ungracious, except in the case of persons who specially mattered to
his own pursuits, such as archaeologists and Greek professors. But
the Chetworth family were almost as well acquainted with his ways as
his own, and his visitors took them philosophically. Arthur
Chicksands had kept the table alive at luncheon with soldier
stories, and the Squire's sulky or sarcastic silence had passed
unnoticed.
Mrs. Gaddesden's mind was very full of the Captain's good looks and
distinction. He was now in London, at the War Office, it seemed, for
a short time, on a special mission; hence his occasional weekends
with his family. When the mission was over--so Beryl told Pamela--he
was probably going out to an important appointment in the
Intelligence Department at G.H.Q. 'Arthur's a great swell,' said
Beryl, 'though as to what he's done, or what people think of him,
you have to dig it out of him--if you can!'
Mrs. Gaddesden did not very much like him. His brusque sincerity
made people of her sort uncomfortable.


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