"It was kind in you--very kind!" returned Mr. Bolton. He could say
no less. But, oh! how rebuked and dissatisfied he felt.

"About that right of way," he stammered out, after a brief silence,
partly averting his eyes as he spoke. "I--I"--

"Oh, we'll not speak of that now," returned Mr. Halpin cheerfully.
"Let's get better acquainted first."

"But, Mr. Halpin--I--I"--

They were now at the gate entering upon Mr. Bolton's farm, and the
neighbour pushed it open, and held it for Bolton to pass through.
Then, as it swung back on its hinges, he said, touching his hat
politely--

"Good-day! Mrs. Halpin and I will call over very soon;--perhaps this
evening, if nothing interfere to prevent. If we come, we shall do so
without any ceremony. Make my compliments, if you please, to Mrs.
Bolton."

"Thank you! Yes--yes! Mr. Halpin--I--I--Let me speak a--a"--

But Mr. Halpin had turned his horse's head, and was moving off
towards the place of entrance to his own farm.

Poor Bolton What was he to do? Never had he felt so oppressive a
sense of shame--such deep humiliation. He had reined up his horse
after passing through the gate, and there he still stood,