he original design. They turned and looked in at the
pillared aisles, stained glass, and handsome reredos.

'Very different from our struggling days,' said Mr. Dutton.

'Yes,' said Mary, with half a sigh. 'There's the new vicar,' as he
passed with a civil nod. 'He has three curates, and a house of
Sisters, and works the parish excellently.'

'You don't speak as if you were intimate.'

'No. His womankind are rather grand--quite out of our beat; and in
parish work I am only an estimable excrescence. It is very well that I
am not wanted, for Miss Headworth requires a good deal of attention,
and it is only the old Adam that regrets the days of importance. Ah,
do you see?'

They were passing Mr. Dutton's old home. On the tiny strip of lawn in
front was a slender black figure, with yellow hair, under a tiny black
hat, dragging about a wooden horse whereon was mounted a sturdy boy of
two, also yellow-locked and in deep mourning under his Holland blouse.

'Billy-boy is riding to meet his daddy!' was merrily called out both by
mother and son before they perceived the stranger.

'Mr. Dutton,' said Mary.

Annaple bowed, but did not put out her hand, and such a flush was on
her face that Miss Nugent said, 'I am sure that is too much for you!'

'Oh no--' she began; but 'Allow me,' said Mr. Dutton, and before she
could refuse he was galloping round and round the little lawn, the boy
screaming with delight as Monsieur raced with them.

'So he is come!' she said in a low doubtful voice to Mary.

'Yes. He has met Mr. Greenleaf in London. I always think he has the
contrary to the evil eye. Whatever he takes in hand rights itself.'

'I'll hope so. Oh, thank you! Billy-boy, say thank you! What a ride
you have had!'

'Why are they in such deep mourning?' asked Mr. Dutton, after they had
parted.

'Oh, did you not know? for good old Lady Ronnisglen. She had a bad
fall about two years ago, and never left her bed again; and this last
autumn she sank away.'

'They have had a great deal of trouble, then. I saw the death of Canon
Egremont in the Times soon after I went out to Australia.'

'Yes; he had heart disease, and died quite suddenly. The living is
given to Mr. Condamine, who married the eldest daughter, and the widow
is gone to live under the shadow of Redcastle Cathedral.'

Therewith Miss Nugent opened her own door, and Miss Headworth was soon
made aware of the visitor. She was greatly changed, and had