But Sir Jasper lingered still--wandering up and down the long drawing-room like a restless ghost.
A clock on the mantel chimed twelve.

Ere its last chime had sounded a sleepy valet stood in the doorway.
"A messenger for you, Sir Jasper--sent by the Reverend Mr.Green.
Here--come in." Thus invoked, Mr.Dawson entered, pulling his forelock.
"Parson, he sent me, zur.

She be a-doying, she be." He knew instantly who the man meant.
"And she wishes to see me ?" "She calls for you all the time, zur.

She be a-doying uncommon hard.
Parson bid me come and tell 'ee." "Very well, my man," the baronet said.

"That will do.