uestion as
to the value of a standing crop, or an allowance for improvements in the
case of a tenant at will, I'm as good as ever I felt. What's more, sir,
it's seventeen years since I took so much wine before. It was the day I
got my appointment to the agency, Mr. L'Estrange. I was weak enough to
indulge on that occasion, and the Colonel said to me, 'As much wine as
you like, Harding--a pipe of it, if you please; but don't be garrulous.'
The word sobered me, sir--sobered me at once. I was offended, I'll not
deny it; but I couldn't afford to show that I felt it. I shut up; and
from that hour to this I never was 'garrulous' again. Is it boasting to
say, sir, that it's not every man who could do as much?"

The curate bowed politely, as if in concurrence.

"You never thought me garrulous, sir?"

"Never, indeed, Mr. Harding."

"No, sir, it was not the judgment the world passed on me. Men have
often said Harding is cautious, Harding is reserved, Harding is guarded
in what he says; but none have presumed to say I was garrulous."

"I must say I think you dwell too much on a mere passing expression.
It was not exactly polite; but I am sure it was not intended to convey
either a grave censure or a fixed opinion."

"I hope so; I hope so, with all my heart, sir," said he, pathetically.
But his drooping head and depressed look showed how little of
encouragement the speech gave him.

"Mr. Augustus begs you 'll come to him in the library, sir," said
a footman, entering, and to L'Estrange's great relief, coming to his
rescue from his tiresome companion.

"I think I 'd not mention the matter _now_," said Harding, with a sigh.
"They 've trouble and sickness in the house, and the moment would be
unfavorable; but you 'll not forget it, sir, you'll not forget that I
want that expression recalled, or at least the admission that it was
used inadvertently."

L'Estrange nodded assent, and hurried away to the library.

"The man of all others I wanted to see," said Augustus, meeting him
with an outstretched hand. "What on earth has kept you away from us of
late?"

"I fancied you were all a little cold towards me," said the curate,
blushing deeply as he spoke; "but if I thought you wanted me, I'd not
have suffered my suspicion to interfere. I 'd have come up at once."

"You're a good fellow, and I believe you thoroughly. There has been no
coldness; at least, I can swear, none on my part, nor any that I know of
elsewhere. We are in