; "I might have been wrong. I only say
what I should have done."

"It was what I did."

"Exactly; exactly. We are both sinners. Both might have been wrong.
Then you brought her over here, and I suppose I know the rest?"

"You know everything now," said Mr. Peacocke.

"And believe every word I have heard. Let me say that, if that may be any
consolation to you. Of my friendship you may remain assured. Whether you
can remain here is another question."

"We are prepared to go."

"You cannot expect that I should have thought it all out during the
hearing of the story. There is much to be considered;--very much. I can
only say this, as between man and man, that no man ever sympathized with
another more warmly than I do with you. You had better let me have till
Monday to think about it."

CHAPTER IX.

MRS. WORTLE AND MR. PUDDICOMBE.

IN this way nothing was said at the first telling of the story to decide
the fate of the schoolmaster and of the lady whom we shall still call his
wife. There certainly had been no horror displayed by the Doctor.
"Whether you can remain here is another question." The Doctor, during
the whole interview, had said nothing harder than that. Mr. Peacocke,
as he left the rectory, did feel that the Doctor had been very good to
him. There had not only been no horror, but an expression of the kindest
sympathy. And as to the going, that was left in doubt. He himself felt
that he ought to go;--but it would have been so very sad to have to go
without a friend left with whom he could consult as to his future
condition!

"He has been very kind, then?" said Mrs. Peacocke to her husband when he
related to her the particulars of the interview.

"Very kind."

"And he did not reproach you."

"Not a word."

"Nor me?"

"He declared that had it been he who was in question he would have clung
to you for ever and ever."

"Did he? Then will he leave us here?"

"That does not follow. I should think not. He will know that others must
know it. Your brother-in-law will not tell him only. Lefroy, when he
finds that he can get no money here, from sheer revenge will tell the
story everywhere. When he left the rectory, he was probably as angry with
the Doctor as he is with me. He will do all the harm that he can to all
of us."

"We must go, then?"

"I should think so. Your position here would be insupportable even if it
could be permitted. You may be sure of this;--everybody w