When a thing is done, if it is only the taking of a walk, the walk is taken to all eternity." At the word "eternity," they stood on the brow of the hill which they had been climbing, and the squire said it again very solemnly.
"Eternity! How dreadful to spend it in repentance which can undo nothing! That is the most awful conception of the word 'eternity.' Eh?
What ?" They were silent a moment, then Sandal turned and looked westward.

"It is mizzling already, Charlotte; the snow will turn into rain, and we shall have a downpour.

Had we not better go home ?" But Charlotte painted in such glowing colors Ducie's fireside, and the pipe, and the cosey, quiet dinner they would be sure to get there, that the squire could not resist the temptation.

"For all will be at sixes and sevens at home," he commented, "and no peace for anybody, with greens and carols and what not.

Eh?
What ?" "And very likely, as it is Christmas Eve, you may be asked to give Sophia away.