Then, perhaps, I shall persuade Mrs.Conway to come up with Ralph to town with us, and to go about with the young people to see the sights.

Now, if you and Mrs.Withers would join us there, that would complete my happiness." The clergyman and his wife both said that this was impossible.

But Mr.
Penfold urged his request with so much earnestness, that at last they agreed to come up to town and stay with him at a hotel.

And, indeed, when they recovered from the first surprise at the proposal, both of them thought that the trip would be an extremely pleasant one; for in those days it was quite an event in the lives of people residing at a distance from a town to pay a visit to the metropolis.
"Then everything is arranged delightfully," Mr.Penfold said.

"This will be a holiday indeed for me; and however much you may all enjoy yourselves I shall enjoy myself a great deal more.