“That you were gone into the army,and she was afraid had―not turned out well.At such a distance as that,you know,things are strangely misrepresented.”

“I almost envy you the pleasure,and yet I believe it would be too much for me,or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle. And you saw the old housekeeper,I suppose?Poor Reynolds,she was always very fond of me.But of course she did not mention my name to you.”

“I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble,my dear sister?”said he,as he joined her.

“I do not recollect that we did.”

She replied in the affirmative.

“I mention it,because it is the living which I ought to have had. A most delightful place!―Excellent Parsonage House! It would have suited me in every respect.”

“You certainly do,”she replied with a smile;“but it does not follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.”

“You did! and it was not wholly without foundation.You may remember what I told you on that point,when first we talked of it.”