And Septimus Marvin's reflective "Yes--yes," as he paused in his
walk and looked seaward, came in appropriately as a grave
confirmation of Miriam's jesting statement.

"Yes--yes," he repeated, turning toward Barebone, who stood
listening to the boy's chatter. "You find us as you left us, Loo.
Was it six months ago? Ah! How time flies when one remains
stationary. For you, I dare say, it seems more."

"For me--oh yes, it seems more," replied Barebone, with his gay
laugh, and a glance toward Miriam.

"A little older," continued the rector. "The church a little
mouldier. Farlingford a little emptier. Old Godbold is gone--the
last of the Godbolds of Farlingford, which means another empty
cottage in the street."

"I saw it as I came down," answered Barebone. "They look like last
year's nests--those empty cottages. But you have been all well,
here at the rectory, since we sailed? The cottages--well, they are
only cottages after all."

Miriam's eyes were raised for a moment from her book.

"Is it like that they talk in France?" she asked. "Are those the
sentiments of the great republic?"

Barebone laughed aloud.