s thoughts turned to himself again, and the flame shot up clear and
strong, as if oil had been poured on the fire. She understood him; she
alone.

"I am very sorry for you, Mr. Catchpole, more sorry than I can tell you.
I will think over what you have said, and we will have another talk about
it. I must be going now."

Mr. Cardew, however, did not go towards Rectory Lane, but along the side
path. Tom mechanically accompanied him, but without speaking. At last
Mr. Cardew, finding that Tom did not leave him, retraced his steps and
went up the lane. In about two minutes they met Mrs. Cardew.

"I wondered where you were. I was coming down to the ferry to look for
you, thinking that most likely you were there. Ah, Mr. Catchpole! is
that you? I am glad my husband has had company. Let me go back and look
at the water."

"Certainly."

Tom stopped and took his leave.

The two went back to the river and sat on the seat.

Mrs. Cardew took her husband's hand in her own sweet way, kissed it, and
held it fast. At last, with a little struggle, she said--

"My dear, you have never preached--to me, at least--as you have preached
to-night."

"You really mean it?"

She kissed his hand again, and leaned her head on his shoulder. That was
her reply. He clasped her tenderly, fervently, more than fervently, and
yet! while his mouth was on her neck, and his arms were round her body,
the face of Catharine presented itself, and it was not altogether his
wife whom he caressed.

Meanwhile Tom, pursuing his way homeward, overtook Miss Furze, to his
great surprise.

"Tom, where have you been?"

"I have just left Mr. and Mrs. Cardew."

Catharine, on her way home, hesitating--for it was Catharine whom Tom and
Mr. Cardew saw--had met Mrs. Cardew just about to leave the house.

"Why, Catharine! you here?"

"I was tempted by the night."

"Catharine, did you ever hear my husband preach better than he did to-
night?"

"Never!"

"I was so proud of him, and I was so happy, because just what touched him
touched me too. Come back with me: I know he has gone to the ferry."

"No, thank you; it is late."

"I am sure he will see you home."

"I am sure he shall not. What! walk up to the Terrace after a day's hard
work!"

So they parted. What had passed between Catharine and Mrs. Cardew when
they lingered behind at the Rectory gate, God and they only know, but
what we call an accident prevented their meeting. Accident!