I used to think sometimes that it was like an old dog with his master.

It was quite touching to see them together.

I think, Mark, with you, that it is best that it should be as it is." Gradually the conversation turned to other matters.

Millicent was, however, unable to take any part in it, and half an hour later she held out her hand silently to Mark and left the room hurriedly.

The next day she was better, and was able to walk for a time with Mark in the garden and talk more calmly about their mutual loss, for to her, no less than to Mark, the Squire had been a father.
"'Tis strange to think that you are the Squire now, Mark," she said as they sat together in the dining room on the evening before the funeral.
"You will think it stranger still, Millicent," he said, "when I tell you that I am not the Squire, and never shall be." She looked up in his face with wonder.
"What do you mean, Mark ?" "Well, dear, you will know tomorrow, as Mr.Prendergast, one of the family solicitors, is coming down; but I think it is as well to tell you beforehand.