m infinite relief, for he saw far less change than was still
apparent in himself. Guy's face was at all times too thin to be capable
of losing much of its form, and as he was liable to be very much tanned,
the brown, fixed on his face by the sunshine of his journey had not gone
off, and a slight flush on his cheeks gave him his ordinary colouring;
his beautiful hazel eyes were more brilliant than ever; and though the
hand he held out was hot and wasted, Philip could not think him nearly
as ill as he had been himself, and was ready to let him talk as he
pleased. He was reassured, too, by his bright smile, and the strength
of his voice, as he spoke a few playful words of welcome and
congratulation. Amy set a chair, and with a look to remind Philip to be
cautious, glided into her own room, leaving the door open, so as to see
and hear all that passed, for they were not fit to be left absolutely
alone together.

Philip sat down; and after a little pause Guy began:

'There were a few things I wanted to say, in case you should be my
successor at Redclyffe.'

A horror came over Philip; but he saw Amy writing at her little table,
and felt obliged to refrain.

'I don't think of directing you,' said Guy, 'You will make a far better
landlord than I; but one or two things I should like.'

'Anything you wish!'

'Old Markham. He has old-world notions and prejudices, but his soul is
in the family and estate. His heart will be half broken, for me, and if
he loses his occupation, he will be miserable. Will you bear with him,
and be patient while he lives, even if he is cross and absurd in his
objections, and jealous of all that is not me?'

'Yes--yes--if--'

'Thank you. Then there is Coombe Prior. I took Wellwood's pay on myself.
Will you? And I should like him to have the living. Then there is the
school to be built; and I thought of enclosing that bit of waste, to
make gardens for the people; but that you'll do much better. Well;
don't you remember when you were at Redclyffe last year' (Philip winced)
'telling Markham that bit of green by Sally's gate ought to be taken
into the park? I hope you won't do that, for it is the only place the
people have to turn out their cows and donkeys. And you won't cut them
off from the steps from the Cove, for it saves the old people from being
late for church? Thank you. As to the rest, it is pleasant to think it
will be in such hands if--'

That 'if' gave Philip some comfort, though it di