"You are going to-morrow, are you not ?" I said.
"Yes, of course.

I see," said the Rector laughing.

"I was thinking of a longer journey.

How superstitions do cling to north-countrymen! We've a terrible lot of Paganism in us yet, for all the Christians that we are!" "What was your superstition just now ?" said I.
"Oh, just part of a belief in the occult sympathy of the animal world with humanity, which, indeed, I am by no means prepared to give up." "I should think not!" said I.
"Though doubtless the idea that they feel and presage impending death to man must be counted a fable." "Awful rot!" was my comment.

"I say, sir, I'm sure you're not well, to get such stuff into your head." "It's just that," said the Rector.