When, the next evening, Malcolm told them hurriedly that he would be obliged to return to town earlier than he thought, she interrupted Amias's clumsy exclamations of regret.

"Mr.Herrick has been very good to give us so much of his company," she said cheerfully.
"Of course we shall miss him, and so will Babs;" and then in her pretty, housewifely way she set about making arrangements for his comfort, and Malcolm felt inwardly grateful for this unspoken sympathy.
He went over to the vicarage to bid Mr.Charrington good-bye.

On the way back he met David Carlyon.

The young curate looked rather nervous and discomposed, but Malcolm was quite calm.
"As I am leaving Staplegrove to-morrow," he said quietly, "I am glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations and bidding you good-bye." The lie came glibly to his lips.

Glad, when he would have gone a dozen miles to avoid his rival--his successful rival! Nevertheless--such hypocrites are the best of men--the words flowed smoothly from his lips.
"Thanks awfully," replied David, prodding the dust with his stick.