nice young gentleman who lodged with
me ever so many years, recommended him to me as one of his best and
oldest friends. Your ma knew Mr. Blunt, for he was here with her, and
a nicer-spoken young gentleman she said she never saw."

"That will do, Mrs. Williams," returned Mr. Dancy, in rather a
peremptory tone; and then, turning to Phillis, he said, more civilly,
but still a little abruptly, as though he were displeased,--

"Well, Miss Challoner, do you feel inclined to trust yourself with me
for the few hundred yards, or shall I fetch Evans?" And Phillis,
feeling herself rebuked, unfurled her umbrella at once, and bade Mrs.
Williams good-night by way of answer.

CHAPTER XXIX.

MRS. WILLIAMS'S LODGER.

Phillis felt rather shy and uncomfortable as she picked her way warily
among the rain-pools in the semi-darkness. Her companion was inclined
to be silent; most likely he considered her churlish in repelling his
civil offers of help: so, to make amends, and set herself at her ease,
she began to talk to him with an attempt at her old sprightliness.

"Do you know this neighborhood well, Mr. Dancy? Have you been long at
Ivy Cottage?"

"Only a few days; but I know the place well enough," he responded,
quietly. "It depends upon circumstances how long I remain here."

"Hadleigh is very quiet," returned Phillis, quickly. "It does not
offer many attractions to strangers, unless they have very moderate
views of enjoyment. It is select, and the bathing is good, and the
country tolerable; but when you have said that, you have said all in
its favor."

"I have always liked the place," with a checked sigh. "Quiet,--that is
what I want, and rest also. I have been rather a wanderer over the
face of the earth, and one wants a little breathing-time occasionally,
to recruit one's exhausted energies. I like Ivy Cottage, and I like
Mrs. Williams: both suit me for the present. Are you a visitor to
Hadleigh,--a mere bird of passage like myself, Miss Challoner?"

"Oh, dear, no: we have come here to live."

"And--and you are intimate with Mrs. Cheyne?" coming a little closer
to her side in the darkness.

"Nothing of the kind," retorted Phillis: "we are mere acquaintances. I
do not feel to know her at all; she is not a person with whom one
could get intimate all at once; she is a little difficult. Besides in
our position----" And here she pulled herself up suddenly.

"Pardon me," returned Mr. Dancy, in an interested voice, "