On these occasions Jadwin himself inevitably wore a black slouch hat, suggestive of the general of the Civil War, a grey dust overcoat with a black velvet collar, and tan gloves, discoloured with the moisture of his palms and all twisted and crumpled with the strain of holding the thoroughbreds to their work.

He always called the time of the trip from the buggy at the Cresslers’ horse block, his stop watch in his hand, and, as he joined the groups upon the steps, he was almost sure to remark: “Tugs were loose all the way from the river. They pulled the whole rig by the reins. My hands are about dislocated.”

“Page plays very well,” murmured Mrs. Cressler as the young girl laid down her mandolin. “I hope J. does come tonight,” she added. “I love to have him ’round. He’s so hearty and whole-souled.”