"Are you going up to the Wood House now?
I think--that is, I am sure the ladies are out;" which was certainly the fact, as he had just seen them driving in the direction of Earlsfield.
"No, not this afternoon, I think," replied Malcolm.
"Well, good-bye, I am a bit pressed for time;" and then the young men shook hands, and David's grip was almost painful.
"Poor beggar!" he muttered to himself as he turned away; but Malcolm could not give expression, if he tried, to those bitter thoughts of his.
"David Carlyon her husband--the husband of Elizabeth Templeton--why, the very birds knew how to mate more fitly!" he thought.

"He is good and true, but he is not worthy of her;" and David in his sad humility was saying the same thing of himself.
That evening Dinah received a note; Amias Keston left it.
"My dear Miss Templeton," wrote Malcolm, "to-morrow I am leaving Staplegrove, and I know you will understand the reason why I do not call to bid you good-bye, and that you will not think me ungrateful after all the kindness and hospitality I have received from you.

Your sister has often told me that you have no secrets from each other; so you will know why it is better for me to return to town.

I have been to the vicarage this afternoon, and have seen Carlyon.

With kindest regards to you and your sister, yours very sincerely and gratefully," "MALCOLM HERRICK." Elizabeth grew a little pale and bit her lip when Dinah showed her the note.
"It has gone very deep," she said to herself.