Mr.
Harding's attendance at that bedside had been nearly as constant as that of the archdeacon, and his ingress and egress was as much a matter of course as that of his son-in-law.

He was standing close beside the archdeacon before he was perceived, and would also have knelt in prayer had he not feared that his doing so might have caused some sudden start and have disturbed the dying man.

Dr.Grantly, however, instantly perceived him and rose from his knees.

As he did so Mr.Harding took both his hands and pressed them warmly.

There was more fellowship between them at that moment than there had ever been before, and it so happened that after circumstances greatly preserved the feeling.