fair one!"

He got up from the supper table and pushed away his chair.

"I'll go," he said--"Priscilla's right--I'm dog-tired and bed's
the best place for me." He passed his hand over his forehead.
"There's a sort of buzzing in my brain like the noise of a cart-
wheel--I want rest." As he spoke Innocent came softly beside him
and took his arm caressingly. He looked down upon her with a
smile. "Yes, wilding, I want rest! We'll have a long talk out
tomorrow--you and I and Robin. Bless thee, child! Good-night!"

He kissed her tenderly and held out one hand to Clifford, who
cordially grasped it.

"Good boy!" he said-"Be up early, for there's much to do--and
Landon won't be home till late--no--not till late! Get on with the
field work--for if the clouds mean anything we shall have rain."
He paused a moment and seemed to reflect, then repeated slowly--
"Yes, lad! We shall have rain!--and wind, and storm! Be ready!--
the fine weather's breaking!"

With that he went, walking slowly, and they heard him stumble once
or twice as he went up the broad oak staircase to his bedroom.
Priscilla put her head on one side, like a meditative crow, and
listened. Then she heaved a sigh, smoothed down her apron and
rolled up her eyes.

"Well, if Mister Jocelyn worn't as sober a man as any judge an'
jury," she observed--"I should say 'e'd bin drinkin'! But that