The Earl stood with his back to the fireplace and there was a frown between his eyes before he said,
“Deverille and I were discussing the unemployment problem before I left him to be half-murdered at the instigation of his cousin.”
“The unemployment problem?” the Vicar repeated in surprise.
“He was speaking about it again just now,” the Earl went on, “and he is convinced that I should build a new timber yard, because there is a great demand for wood now that the war is over.”
Hermia, listening, held her breath.
She could hardly believe that she was actually hearing what her uncle was saying.
“I find it difficult,” the Earl continued, “not to follow up his suggestion. But as I have no time and as this is something that will employ a good number of those layabouts with whom you are so
