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It was a peculiarity of Winston Aylett that he was never discoht be his

position In his childhood he was one to whom, to use the common

phrase, dirt would not stick His face was clean and fair, his hands

sh and tuged, and unkeht, he had ridden a dozen miles in the teeth of the stor before his wife and sister, except to

lay off his hat and overcoat in the hall But had he expected to

encounter a roomful of ladies, his costume could not have been more

unexceptionable

His linen was pure and fresh, even to the narrow line of wristband

edging his coat sleeve; his clearly cut patrician features were

tranquil in every line and tint; his step was the light, yet

deliberate stride of an athlete without passion or bravado

Conscious power, inexorable will, and thorough self-command were

stamped upon him from crown to foot, and his salutation to the small

family party accompanied a smile as mirthless and cold as were his

eyes

Mrs Aylett advanced a step, not more, and returned the bow that

comprehended all present, with a pleased, not rapturous welcoht be wet," she said,

e his polite equanimity Genuine tact is always