CHAPTER XIII.
The winter was passing very quietly in Ashurst; the only really great excitement was Helen's letter about the fire and Colonel Drayton's attack of gout.
Life went on as it had as far back as any one cared to remember, with the small round of church festivals and little teas, and the Saturday evening whist parties at the rectory.

But under monotonous calm may lurk very wearing anxiety, and this was the case in Ashurst.
Mr.Denner endeavored, with but indifferent success, to conceal the indecision which was still preying upon his mind.

For the suggestion gained from Jephtha had proved useless.

He had, indeed, tried to act upon it.

A day or two after the thought had come to him which so interrupted family prayers, Mr.Denner sallied forth to learn his fate.