By degrees Wolf managed to edge away from the two ladies, who were listening to Darnley’s criticism of the horse-show, and began to exchange more piquant remarks with the dilapidated poet.

“Did you see our clergyman?” said Jason.

“ Mr. Valley?”

The man nodded.

“Certainly I did. I talked to him when I first got here.”

“Making a fool of himself as usual⁠—”

“Come, Mr. Otter⁠—”