And he fell into one of his heavy moods of introspection which
seemed, indeed, not far removed from torpor.

When she had at last roused him with an animated description of the
vegetable garden, he appeared to have forgotten his objections to
having workmen enter his chamber. And Lydia was careful not to recall
it to his mind.

She was still sitting before his desk, ostensibly absorbed in the
rows of incomprehensible figures Deacon Whittle, as general
contractor, had urged upon her attention, when Martha again parted
the heavy cloud of her thoughts.

"The minister, come to see you again," she announced, with a slight
but mordant emphasis on the ultimate word.

"Yes," said Lydia, rousing herself, with an effort. "Mr. Elliot, you
said?"

"I s'pose that's his name," conceded Martha ungraciously. "I set him
in the dining room. It's about the only place with two chairs in it;
an' I shan't have no time to make more lemonade, in case you wanted
it, m'm."




Chapter XIV