Come, Charlotte." Unconsciously he spoke with an authority not usual to him, and the parting was a little silent and hurried; for Ducie was in the throng of her festival, and rather impatient for Stephen's help.

Only Latrigg walked to the gate with them.

He looked after Sandal and his daughter with a grave, but not unhappy wistfulness; and when a belt of larches hid them from his view, he turned towards the house, saying softly,-- "It is like to be my last shearing.

Very soon this life will _have been_, but through Christ's mercy I have the over-hand of the future." It was almost as hard to go down the fell as to come up it, for the road was very steep and stony.

The squire took it leisurely, carrying his straw hat in his hand, and often standing still to look around him.