That would grieve me very much, John." "Don't let it then?
Why, I have only seen her five times; I never spoke to her in my life, and most probably never shall do.

Could any one be in a safer position?
Besides," and his tone changed to extreme gravity, "I have too many worldly cares to think of; I can't afford the harmless little amusement of falling in love--so be easy, Phineas." I smiled; and we began a discussion on camps and fosses, vallum and praetorium; the Danes, Saxons, and Normans; which, doubtless, we carried on to a most learned length: but at this distance of time, and indeed the very day after, I plead guilty to having forgotten all about it.
That long, quiet Sunday, when, I remember, the sun never came out all day, but the whole earth and sky melted together in a soft, grey haze; when we lay on the common and heard church-bells ringing, some distant, some near; and, after all was quiet, talked our own old sabbath talks, of this world and the world to come; when, towards twilight, we went down into the beech-wood below the house, and sat idly there among the pleasant-smelling ferns; when, from the morning to the evening, he devoted himself altogether to my comfort and amusement--to perfect which required of him no harder duty than to be near me always;--that Sunday was the last I ever had David altogether for my own--my very own.
It was natural, it was just, it was right.

God forbid that in any way I should have murmured.
About ten o'clock--just as he was luring me out to see how grand the common looked under the black night, and we were wondering whether or no the household were in bed--Mrs.Tod came mysteriously into the parlour and shut the door after her.

Her round, fresh face looked somewhat troubled.
"Mr.Halifax, might I speak a word to 'ee, sir ?" "With pleasure.

Sit down, Mrs.Tod.