long together on that occasion, and when
they parted he went off about his work, not saying a word to any other
person in the house, and she betook herself as fast as her feet could
carry her to her own room.

She said not a word either to her mother, or to her sister, or to
Florence as to what had passed at that interview; but, when she was
first seen by any of them, she was very grave in her demeanor, and very
silent. When her father congratulated her, which he did with as much
cordiality as he was able to assume, she kissed him, and thanked him for
his care and kindness; but even this she did almost solemnly. "Ah! I see
how it is to be," said the old rector to his wife. "There are to be no
more cakes and ale in the parish." Then his wife reminded him of what he
himself had said of the change which would take place in Mr. Saul's ways
when he should have a lot of children running about his feet. "Then I
can only hope that they'll begin to run about very soon," said the old
rector.

To her sister, Mary Fielding, Fanny said little or nothing of her coming
marriage, but to Florence, who, as regarded that event, was in the same
position as herself, she frequently did express her feelings, declaring
how awful to her was the responsibility of the thing she was about to
do. "Of course that's quite true," said Florence, "but it doesn't make
one doubt that one is right to marry."

"I don't know," said Fanny. "When I think of it, it almost makes me
doubt."

"Then, if I were Mr. Saul, I would not let you think of it at all."

"Ah! that shows that you do not understand him. He would be the first to
advise me to hesitate if he thought that--that--that--I don't know that
I can quite express what I mean." "Under those circumstances Mr. Saul
won't think that--that--"

"Oh, Florence, it is too serious for laughing--it is, indeed." Then
Florence also hoped that a time might come, and that shortly, in which
Mr. Saul might moderate his views, though she did not express herself
exactly as the rector had done.

Immediately after this Florence went back to Stratton in order that she
might pass what remained to her of her freedom with her mother and
father, and that she might prepare herself for her wedding. The affair
with her was so much hurried that she had hardly time to give her mind
those considerations which were weighing so heavily on Fanny's mind. It
was felt by all the Burtons, especially by Cecilia, that there was need
fo