The occasion was lost: Evelyn also turned; and seeing who was the intruder, sprang towards him almost with a cry of joy.
The new comer was a man who had passed his seventieth year; but his old age was green, his step light, and on his healthful and benignant countenance time had left but few furrows.

He was clothed in black; and his locks, which were white as snow, escaped from the broad hat, and almost touched his shoulders.
The old man smiled upon Evelyn, and kissed her forehead fondly.

He then turned to Lord Vargrave, who, recovering his customary self-possession, advanced to meet him with extended hand.
"My dear Mr.Aubrey, this is a welcome surprise.

I heard you were not at the vicarage, or I would have called on you." "Your lordship honours me," replied the curate.

"For the first time for thirty years I have been thus long absent from my cure; but I am now returned, I hope, to end my days among my flock." "And what," asked Vargrave,--"what--if the question be not presumptuous--occasioned your unwilling absence ?" "My lord," replied the old man, with a gentle smile, "a new vicar has been appointed.