I have something to say to you which I have been wanting to say for some time, and which I hope will give you pleasure." Cardo said nothing, his attention being rivetted upon his father's countenance; the marble face seemed whiter than usual, the deep shadows round the eyes darker and--was it fancy ?--or were the lips whiter?
"What is it, father ?" said Cardo, at last pitying the old man's evident nervousness; "no bad news, I hope ?" "Bad news!" said the Vicar, with a forced smile, which disclosed a row of large and rather yellow teeth.

"Didn't I say I hoped it would please you ?" "Yes, I forgot, sir." "Well, it is this: you live a very quiet, monotonous life here, and though it has many advantages, perhaps to a young man it would also appear to have many drawbacks.

You have lately had Mr.Gwynne Ellis's company, which I am glad to see you have thoroughly appreciated.

I should have been annoyed, had it been otherwise, considering that it was not without some change of my usual domestic ways that I was able to arrange this little matter for you.

I own I should not like you to imbibe all his ideas, which I consider very loose and unconstitutional; but on the whole, I have liked the young man, and shall be sorry when he leaves, more particularly as he pays well." Cardo winced.