se of quiet and the beauty of the view soothed
me, and I felt less irritable than for days past. I never get tired of
the dip of green fields and the stretch of moor on the far side of the
wood.

"Can you spare me a full hour, Miss Holden?" he asked. "I have come
down specially to see you, principally because I have had a letter from
Mr. Evans which in some measure concerns you, and also because I want
to continue the discussion of the parable of the marbles which we were
considering the other evening."

How pretty the landscape looked from our garden! Cloud shadows were
racing each other across the pastures as I lay back and watched them,
and I thought the view had never been bonnier.

"I am not overworked," I replied, "and I can give up a whole afternoon,
if necessary. What is the news from the squire? Nothing serious, I
hope; and yet it must be important to bring you down here specially."

"I hardly know what to say. Something in his letter conveys the
impression that he is far from well again, though he does not
definitely say so. But it appears that he has asked you to go out to
him if he becomes seriously ill. That is so, isn't it?"

"Yes," I answered, "and I have promised to go. It touches me deeply
that he should want me."

"I don't wonder," he said; but whether at my emotion or the squire's
proposal did not transpire.

"If and when he sends for you," he continued, "he wishes you to
communicate with me, and he asks me to make all the business
arrangements for you. I need hardly say that it will afford me much
pleasure to do whatever I can. I will give you my Broadbeck and town
addresses, and if you will wire me whenever you need my services I will
reply at once. Please don't feel obliged to look anything up for
yourself, as I will see to every detail, and provide all that is
necessary for the journey in accordance with my old friend's
instructions."

"It is extremely good of you," I said, "and very thoughtful on the
squire's part. I accept your offer gratefully. But do you think there
is much likelihood of my being sent for?"

"Candidly, I think there is; equally candidly, I hope the necessity may
not arise. If the end comes whilst he is abroad, a man ought by all
means to be present, for there will be no end of difficulties, and it
will be absolutely necessary for someone to go out. But that takes
time, and meanwhile the position would not be a pleasant one for you.
I would go to him