family which would
feel it so keenly as they would do." Lily, however, went on with her
arguments, and was still arguing when they turned the corner of the
lane, and came upon Lily's uncle and the major himself.

CHAPTER XXX

Showing What Major Grantly Did After His Walk

In going down from the church to the Small House Lily Dale had all
the conversation to herself. During some portion of the way the path
was only broad enough for two persons, and here Major Grantly walked
by Lily's side, while Grace followed them. Then they found their way
into the house, and Lily made her little speech to her mother about
catching the major. "Yes, my dear, I have seen Major Grantly before,"
said Mrs. Dale. "I suppose he has met you on the road. But I did not
expect that any of you would have returned so soon." Some little
explanation followed as to the squire, and as to Major Grantly's
walk, and after that the great thing was to leave the two lovers
alone. "You will dine here, of course, Major Grantly," Mrs. Dale said.
But this he declined. He had learned, he said, that there was a
night-train up to London, and he thought that he would return to town
by that. He had intended, when he left London, to get back as soon as
possible. Then Mrs. Dale, having hesitated for two or three seconds,
got up and left the room, and Lily followed. "It seems very odd and
abrupt," said Mrs. Dale to her daughter, "but I suppose it is best."
"Of course, it is best, mamma. Do as one would be done by,--that's
the only rule. It will be much better for her that she should have it
over."

Grace was seated on a sofa, and Major Grantly got up from his chair,
and came and stood opposite to her. "Grace," he said, "I hope you are
not angry with me for coming down to see you here."

"No, I am not angry," she said.

"I have thought a great deal about it, and your friend, Miss
Prettyman, knew that I was coming. She quite approves of my coming."

"She has written to me, but did not tell me of it," said Grace, not
knowing what other answer to make.

"No,--she could not have done that. She had no authority. I only
mention her name because it will have weight with you, and because
I have not done that which, under other circumstances, perhaps, I
should have been bound to do. I have not seen your father."

"Poor papa," said Grace.

"I have felt that at the present moment I could not do so with any
success. It has not come of any want of respect either