IN THE SHADOW
ture mind of age with the refreshing confidence of youth; perhaps he respected him the most because Manning was an expert in botany and all matters pertaining to agriculture. As a dilettante he bowed to Manning's practical professional ability.
"Will you smoke, sir? " asked Manning, offering his cigar case.
"Thank you." Sir Henry selected a cigar with care. "The tobacco which you Americans bring over always tastes so much better than that imported by dealers."
"I fancy that is because it is better tobacco," said Manning dryly. He had not a high opinion of the cigars usually to be had at English houses.
Sir Henry's scholarly face was lit by a gleam of amusement.
"A very plausible solution." Manning offered him a match, and Sir Henry smoked for a moment in silence; then he took the cigar from his mouth and examined it critically.
"It is delicious, so fragrant and full flavored, yet so mild. Pardon me, Manning, if I ask what one must pay for such a cigar in New York."
"It is hard to say; a few of my neighbors and I have them made expressly for ourselves."
"You rice planters are a pampered set. I shall never forget the luxury in which your grandfather lived; you know your father and I used to alternate our vacations, one year here, the next in Carolina. I suppose the old place is just the same. The great house, with its wide verandas; the park of live oaks; the stables, half a mile from the house; the wonderful vista across the vivid green of the rice fields, and the river and piney woods
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