ehave as usual. Two or three times I repeated, in
public, the various affectionate messages to the family with which I
was charged by Holdsworth; but she took no more notice of them than if
my words had been empty air. And in this mood I left her on the Sabbath
evening.

My new master was not half so indulgent as my old one. He kept up
strict discipline as to hours, so that it was some time before I could
again go out, even to pay a call at the Hope Farm.

It was a cold misty evening in November. The air, even indoors, seemed
full of haze; yet there was a great log burning on the hearth, which
ought to have made the room cheerful. Cousin Holman and Phillis were
sitting at the little round table before the fire, working away in
silence. The minister had his books out on the dresser, seemingly deep
in study, by the light of his solitary candle; perhaps the fear of
disturbing him made the unusual stillness of the room. But a welcome
was ready for me from all; not noisy, not demonstrative--that it never
was; my damp wrappers were taken off; the next meal was hastened, and a
chair placed for me on one side of the fire, so that I pretty much
commanded a view of the room. My eye caught on Phillis, looking so pale
and weary, and with a sort of aching tone (if I may call it so) in her
voice. She was doing all the accustomed things--fulfilling small
household duties, but somehow differently--I can't tell you how, for
she was just as deft and quick in her movements, only the light spring
was gone out of them. Cousin Holman began to question me; even the
minister put aside his books, and came and stood on the opposite side
of the fire-place, to hear what waft of intelligence I brought. I had
first to tell them why I had not been to see them for so long--more
than five weeks. The answer was simple enough; business and the
necessity of attending strictly to the orders of a new superintendent,
who had not yet learned trust, much less indulgence. The minister
nodded his approval of my conduct, and said,--'Right, Paul! "Servants,
obey in all things your master according to the flesh." I have had my
fears lest you had too much licence under Edward Holdsworth.'

'Ah,' said cousin Holman, 'poor Mr Holdsworth, he'll be on the salt
seas by this time!'

'No, indeed,' said I, 'he's landed. I have had a letter from him from
Halifax.' Immediately a shower of questions fell thick upon me. When?
How? What was he doing? How did he like it? What