He had fetched a circuit round the sand-hill, and was peeping round the north side of it and grinning as he blew his horn.
Taffy set off running, and never stopped until he reached the Parsonage and burst into the kitchen.

"Mother--It's all right! I've passed!" Somebody was knocking at the door.

Taffy jumped up from his knees, and Humility made the lap of her apron smooth.
"May I come in ?" asked Honoria, and pushed the door open.
She stepped into the middle of the kitchen and dropped Taffy an elaborate courtesy.
A thousand congratulations, sir!" "Why, how did you know ?" "Well, I met the postman; and I looked in through the window before knocking." Taffy bit his lip.

"People seem to be taking a deal of interest in us all of a sudden," he said to his mother.
Humility looked distressed, uncomfortable.

Honoria ignored the snub.
"I am starting for Carwithiel to-day," she said, "for a week's visit, and thought I would look in--after hearing what the postman told me-- and pay my compliments." She talked for a minute or two on matters of no importance, asked after old Mrs.Venning's health, and left, turning at the door and giving Humility a cheerful little nod.
"Taffy, you ought not to have spoken so." Humility's eyes were tearful.
Taffy's conscience was already accusing him.