It was galling to her that she herself would have to be driven to Shanmoor behind the fat vicarage pony, while the others would be climbing the fells, and all sorts of exciting things might be happening.

Still it was infinitely better to be half in it than not in it at all, and she started by the side of the vicarage 'man,' in a most delicious flutter.

The skies might fall any day now.

Elsmere had not confided in her, though she was unable to count the openings she had given him thereto.

For one of the frankest of men he had kept his secret, so far as words went, with a remarkable tenacity.