e, burst into a tumult of sobs, and
fell back on the couch. Not a tear came to her eyes, but such was her
trouble that she did not even care to lift her hand to her face to hide
the movements of its rebellious muscles. Faber, bewildered, but, from
the habits of his profession, master of himself, instantly prepared her
something, which she took obediently; and as soon as she was quieted a
little, mounted and rode away: two things were clear--one, that she
could not be indifferent to him; the other, that, whatever the cause of
her emotion, she would for the present be better without him. He was
both too kind and too proud to persist in presenting himself.

The next morning Helen drew up her ponies at Mrs. Puckridge's door, and
Wingfold got out and stood by their heads, while she went in to call on
Miss Meredith.

Juliet had passed a sleepless night, and greatly dreaded the next
interview with Faber. Helen's invitation, therefore, to pay them a few
days' visit, came to her like a redemption: in their house she would
have protection both from Faber and from herself. Heartily, with tears
in her eyes, she accepted it; and her cordial and grateful readiness
placed her yet a step higher in the regard of her new friends. The
acceptance of a favor may be the conferring of a greater. Quickly,
hurriedly, she put up "her bag of needments," and with a sad, sweet
smile of gentle apology, took the curate's place beside his wife, while
he got into the seat behind.

Juliet, having been of late so much confined to the house, could not
keep back the tears called forth by the pleasure of the rapid motion
through the air, the constant change of scene, and that sense of human
story which haunts the mind in passing unknown houses and farms and
villages. An old thatched barn works as directly on the social feeling
as the ancient castle or venerable manor-seat; many a simple house will
move one's heart like a poem; many a cottage like a melody. When at last
she caught sight of the great church-tower, she clapped her hands with
delight. There was a place in which to wander and hide! she thought--in
which to find refuge and rest, and coolness and shadow! Even for Faber's
own sake she would not believe that faith a mere folly which had built
such a pile as that! Surely there was some way of meeting the terrible
things he said--if only she could find it!

"Are you fastidious, Miss Meredith, or willing to do any thing that is
honest?" the curate