he water at
the well at Pettitt's houses had done much of the harm. Terry was
drinking it all that hot day, and to-day we hear that Lady Tyrrell
and two of the servants are ill, besides poor little Joe Reynolds."

"It is very terrible," said Herbert. "Lady Tyrrell, did you say?"

"Yes. She was there constantly, like Raymond's wife. Happily there
is not much fear for your people, Herbert. Your father was at the
dinner, but he is not a water drinker, and Jenny only just came to
the bazaar, that was all. Edith happily gave up the ball."

"I know," said Herbert, colouring. "Jenny persuaded her to give it
up because of--me. Oh, how I have served them all!"

"I told Jenny that perhaps her Ember prayers had been met in the
true way."

"Yes," said Herbert. "I can't understand now how I could have been
such an audacious fool as to present myself so coolly after the year
I had spent. God forgive me for it! Rector, thank you for leaving
me at Rood House. It was like having one's eyes opened to a new
life. I say, do you know anything about Harry Hornblower? Is he
come home?"

"Yes. You wouldn't prosecute?"

"Happily I couldn't. The things were gone and could not be
identified, and there was nothing about him. So, though they had me
over to Backsworth, they could not fall foul of me for refusing to
prosecute. Have you seen him?"

"No, I tried, but he had got out of my way. You've not been there?"
seeing that Herbert had brought back his bag.

"No; I will not till I come back;" and as he took the note he added,
"Rector, I do beg your pardon with all my might." Then, after a
strong clasp of the hand, he sped away with a long, manful,
energetic stride, which made Julius contrast his volunteer courage
with the flight of the man who, if not pledged to pastoral care at
Wil'sbro', still had priestly vows upon him.

Julius had no scruples about risking this favourite home child. If
he thought about it at all, it was to rejoice that Mrs. Bowater was
safely gone, for he had passed unscathed through scenes at St.
Awdry's that would have made his mother tremble, and he had little
fear of contagion, with reasonable care. Of course the doctors had
the usual debate whether the fever were infectious or epidemic, but
it made little difference. The local ones, as well as an authority
from London, had an inspection previous to the meeting, which took
place in the school, whose scholars were dispersed in the panic.