Go in and say a word to my wife, and tell them you saw me all right." "I'll have a crack with 'em, Mr.Heathcote, before I turn in." "And tell Mary I sent my love." "I will, Mr.Heathcote; I will." He was thinking always of his wife during his solitary rides, and of her fear and deep anxiety.

It was for her sake and for the children that he was so care-worn, not for his own.

Had he been alone in the world he would not have fretted himself in this fashion because of the malice of any man.

But how would it be with her should he be forced to move her from Gangoil?
And yet, with all his love, they had parted almost in anger.

Surely she would understand the tenderness of the message he had just sent her.
Of a sudden, as he was riding, he stopped his horse and listened attentively.