"I thought you were to be very busy just then." "Yes, that is true," answered John.

"But of course I could come, you know, if it were necessary." "Hardly exactly necessary--" Mrs.Goddard laughed.
"The doctor told me some relaxation was absolutely indispensable for my health," said John rather sententiously.
"You don't really look very ill--are you ?" She seemed incredulous.
"Oh no, of course not--only a little overworked sometimes." "In that case I have no doubt it would do you good," said Mrs.Goddard.
"Do you really think so ?" asked John, hopefully.
"Oh--that is a matter for your doctor to decide.

I cannot possibly tell," she answered.
"I think you would make a very good doctor, Mrs.Goddard," said John venturing on a bolder flight.
"Really--I never thought of trying it," she replied with a little laugh.
"Good morning, Mr.Ambrose.Nellie wants to thank you for your beautiful present.

It was really too good of you." The vicar came out of the vestry and joined the group in the path.

Mrs.
Ambrose, who had been asking Tom Judd's wife about her baby, also came up, and the squire, who had been presenting Mr.Reid with ten shillings for his Christmas box and who looked singularly bereaved without the faithful Stamboul at his heels, sauntered up and began congratulating everybody.