I have loved him ever since--I don't know when." "And you have always had as good and as true as you have given.

Steve is fondly heart-grown to you, Charlotte.

But we will say no more; and what we have said is dropped into my heart like a stone dropped into deep water." Then they spoke of the rector, how he was failing a little; and of one of the maids at Seat-Sandal who was to marry the head shepherd at Up-Hill; and at last, when there had been enough of indifferent talk to effectually put Steve out of mind, Ducie asked suddenly, "How is Harry, and is he doing well ?" This was a subject Charlotte was glad to discuss with Ducie.

Harry was a great favorite with her, and had been accustomed to run to Up-Hill whenever he was in any boyish scrape.

And Harry was _not_ doing well.
"Father is vexed and troubled about him, Ducie," she answered.