ath would be indispensable; and,
therefore, at the last moment, when the phaeton came to the door with
the luggage fastened on the hinder seat, it was discovered for the
first time that Sophy must be left behind.

Arthur Wilkinson would willingly have given up his position, and
George Bertram would willingly have taken it. Adela also would have
been well pleased at such a change. But though all would have been
pleased, it could not be effected. The vicar could not very well
proclaim that, as his sister was not to accompany him and shield
him, he would not act as charioteer to Miss Gauntlet; nor could the
lady object to be driven by her host. So at last they started from
the vicarage door with many farewell kisses, and a large paper of
sandwiches. Who is it that consumes the large packets of sandwiches
with which parting guests are always laden? I imagine that
station-masters' dogs are mainly fed upon them.

The first half-mile was occupied, on Wilkinson's part, in little
would-be efforts to make his companion more comfortable. He shifted
himself about into the furthest corner so as to give her more room;
he pulled his cloak out from under her, and put it over her knees to
guard her from the dust; and recommended her three times to put up
her parasol. Then he had a word or two to say to the neighbours; but
that only lasted as long as he was in his own parish. Then he came to
a hill which gave him an opportunity of walking; and on getting in
again he occupied half a minute in taking out his watch, and assuring
Adela that she would not be too late for the train.

But when all this was done, the necessity for conversation still
remained. They had hardly been together--thrown for conversation on
each other as they now were--since that day when Arthur had walked
over for the last time to West Putford. Reader, do you remember it?
Hardly; for have not all the fortunes and misfortunes of our more
prominent hero intervened since that chapter was before you?

"I hope you will find yourself comfortable at Littlebath," he said at
last.

"Oh, yes; that is, I shall be when my aunt comes home. I shall be at
home then, you know."

"But that will be some time?"

"I fear so; and I dread greatly going to this Miss Todd, whom I have
never seen. But you see, dear Miss Baker must go back to Hadley soon,
and Miss Todd has certainly been very good-natured in offering to
take me."

Then there was another silence, which lasted for abou