It was easy enough for him to talk to-day. His reserve seemed to have melted away from him. Had he heard anything more from Helen about meeting influential people, Judy asked? No, he hadn't. She had forgotten all about it, no doubt. He was rather relieved that she had.
"People have no time for failures," Chip said, "and quite right too. A man who has reached the age of forty-four without accomplishing anything is a failure."
"That's tosh!" said Noel. "Every one's a failure at some time of their lives. The thing is to see that it isn't chronic."
The old Cornish woman came in and laid the table for supper, bringing with her an extra lamp. She seemed very pleased that the Major had company, and looked approvingly at Judy. They sat down presently to a savory meal, and she waited on them with enthusiasm, putting in a word now and then.
Chip talked of the country round about.
"It's beautiful," he said, "if you happen to like these rather bleak and open places. I do, myself."
"So do I," agreed Judy. "But I love trees, too; although I think treeless places are better for one. I always imagine I can think better
