On this occasion the boy was absent.
'I walk a good deal,' said Mrs.Lodge, 'and your house is the nearest outside our own parish.

I hope you are well.

You don't look quite well.' Rhoda said she was well enough; and, indeed, though the paler of the two, there was more of the strength that endures in her well-defined features and large frame, than in the soft-cheeked young woman before her.

The conversation became quite confidential as regarded their powers and weaknesses; and when Mrs.Lodge was leaving, Rhoda said, 'I hope you will find this air agree with you, ma'am, and not suffer from the damp of the water-meads.' The younger one replied that there was not much doubt of it, her general health being usually good.

'Though, now you remind me,' she added, 'I have one little ailment which puzzles me.