and, Suke, I say 'twill be a
good move for me to get 'ee away. I don't mind his leavings abroad,
but I do mind 'em at home."

Suke's face was not changed from its aspect of listless indifference by
the words. She answered nothing; and shortly after he went out for his
customary pipe of tobacco at the top of the garden.

The restlessness of Suke had indeed owed its presence to the gentleman
of Tim's suspicions, but in a different--and it must be added in
justice to her--more innocent sense than he supposed, judging from
former doings. She had accidentally discovered that Fitzpiers was in
the habit of coming secretly once or twice a week to Hintock, and knew
that this evening was a favorite one of the seven for his journey. As
she was going next day to leave the country, Suke thought there could
be no great harm in giving way to a little sentimentality by obtaining
a glimpse of him quite unknown to himself or to anybody, and thus
taking a silent last farewell. Aware that Fitzpiers's time for passing
was at hand she thus betrayed her feeling. No sooner, therefore, had
Tim left the room than she let herself noiselessly out of the house,
and hastened to the corner of the garden, whence she could witness the
surgeon's transit across the scene--if he had not already gone by.

Her light cotton dress was visible to Tim lounging in the arbor of the
opposite corner, though he was hidden from her. He saw her stealthily
climb into the hedge, and so ensconce herself there that nobody could
have the least doubt her purpose was to watch unseen for a passer-by.

He went across to the spot and stood behind her. Suke started, having
in her blundering way forgotten that he might be near. She at once
descended from the hedge.

"So he's coming to-night," said Tim, laconically. "And we be always
anxious to see our dears."

"He IS coming to-night," she replied, with defiance. "And we BE
anxious for our dears."

"Then will you step in-doors, where your dear will soon jine 'ee? We've
to mouster by half-past three to-morrow, and if we don't get to bed by
eight at latest our faces will be as long as clock-cases all day."

She hesitated for a minute, but ultimately obeyed, going slowly down
the garden to the house, where he heard the door-latch click behind her.

Tim was incensed beyond measure. His marriage had so far been a total
failure, a source of bitter regret; and the only course for improving
his case, that of leaving