a reciprocity.

There was an appearance of confidence on Lady Constantine's face;
she said she was so very glad that he had come, and looking down at
the letter in her hand was on the point of pulling it from its
envelope; but she did not. After a moment she went on more quickly:
'I wanted your advice, or rather your opinion, on a serious matter,-
-on a point of conscience.' Saying which she laid down the letter
and looked at the cards.

It might have been apparent to a more penetrating eye than the
vicar's that Lady Constantine, either from timidity, misgiving, or
reconviction, had swerved from her intended communication, or
perhaps decided to begin at the other end.

The parson, who had been expecting a question on some local business
or intelligence, at the tenor of her words altered his face to the
higher branch of his profession.

'I hope I may find myself of service, on that or any other
question,' he said gently.

'I hope so. You may possibly be aware, Mr. Torkingham, that my
husband, Sir Blount Constantine, was, not to mince matters, a
mistaken--somewhat jealous man. Yet you may hardly have discerned
it in the short time you knew him.'

'I had some little knowledge of Sir Blount's character in that
respect.'