and. Neither did she attempt to find out what was
amiss. When, the next evening, Malcolm told them hurriedly that he
would be obliged to return to town earlier than he thought, she
interrupted Amias's clumsy exclamations of regret. "Mr. Herrick has
been very good to give us so much of his company," she said cheerfully.
"Of course we shall miss him, and so will Babs;" and then in her
pretty, housewifely way she set about making arrangements for his
comfort, and Malcolm felt inwardly grateful for this unspoken sympathy.

He went over to the vicarage to bid Mr. Charrington good-bye. On the
way back he met David Carlyon. The young curate looked rather nervous
and discomposed, but Malcolm was quite calm.

"As I am leaving Staplegrove to-morrow," he said quietly, "I am glad to
have this opportunity of offering my congratulations and bidding you
good-bye." The lie came glibly to his lips. Glad, when he would have
gone a dozen miles to avoid his rival--his successful rival!
Nevertheless--such hypocrites are the best of men--the words flowed
smoothly from his lips.

"Thanks awfully," replied David, prodding the dust with his stick. "Are
you going up to the Wood House now? I think--that is, I am sure the
ladies are out;" which was certainly the fact, as he had just seen them
driving in the direction of Earlsfield.

"No, not this afternoon, I think," replied Malcolm.

"Well, good-bye, I am a bit pressed for time;" and then the young men
shook hands, and David's grip was almost painful.

"Poor beggar!" he muttered to himself as he turned away; but Malcolm
could not give expression, if he tried, to those bitter thoughts of his.

"David Carlyon her husband--the husband of Elizabeth Templeton--why,
the very birds knew how to mate more fitly!" he thought. "He is good
and true, but he is not worthy of her;" and David in his sad humility
was saying the same thing of himself.

That evening Dinah received a note; Amias Keston left it.

"My dear Miss Templeton," wrote Malcolm, "to-morrow I am leaving
Staplegrove, and I know you will understand the reason why I do not
call to bid you good-bye, and that you will not think me ungrateful
after all the kindness and hospitality I have received from you. Your
sister has often told me that you have no secrets from each other; so
you will know why it is better for me to return to town. I have been to
the vicarage this afternoon, and have seen Carlyon. With kindest
regards to you and your s