It need not have surprised him, for in spite of that lady's surmise with regard to his early life, he was in reality a man of generous and susceptible temperament.

He recognised in the charming tenant of the cottage many qualities which he liked, and he could not deny that she was exceedingly pretty.

Being a strong man he was particularly attracted by the pathetic expression of her face, the perpetual sadness that was visible there when she was not momentarily interested or amused.

Had he suspected her paleness and air of secret suffering to be the result of any physical infirmity, she would not have interested him so much.

But Mrs.Goddard's lithe figure and easy grace of activity belied all idea of weakness.