he professed or imagined; all the time, he appeared to be thinking
of something else. Most of his remarks were addressed to Miss Bride,
and with that manner of intimate friendliness which he alone of the
family used towards their visitor. He inquired about the events of
her life, and manifested a strong interest in the facts which
Constance briefly repeated.

"Let me walk with you as far as the station," he said, when the time
came for her departure.

"Please don't trouble," Constance replied, with a quick glance at
Mrs. Lashmar's face, still resentful under the conventional smile.

Dyce, without more words, took his hat and accompanied her; the
vicar went with them to the garden gate, courteous but obviously
embarrassed.

"Pray remember me to your father, Miss Bride," he said. "I should
much like to hear from him."

"It's chilly this evening," remarked Dyce, as he and his companion
walked briskly away. "Are you going far?"

"To Hollingford."

"But you'll be travelling for two or three hours. What about your
dinner?"

"Oh, I shall eat something when I get home."