He dined with them the day John went away and took up the many duties of his clerical life, until as was his custom, a week later he came in smiling for the Saturday dinner, saying, "Well, here comes the old house-dog for his bone." They made him welcome as gaily.

"Has the town wickedness accumulated in your absence, Mark ?" said Penhallow.
"Mine has," said Ann Penhallow, "but I never confess except to myself." "Ann Penhallow might be a severe confessor," said Rivers as they sat down.

"How you must miss John and Leila.

I shall most sadly." "Oh, for my part," said Ann, "I have made up my mind not to lament the inevitable, but my husband is like a lost dog and--oh!--heart-hungry for Leila, and worried about that boy's examination--his passing." "Have I said a word ?" said the Squire indignantly.

"Pass! Of course, he will pass." "No one doubts that, James; but you are afraid he will not be near the top." "You are a witch, Ann.