go out with me, it seems to me to be all
right," said Jenny, colouring deeply, as she made this lame and
impotent conclusion.

"My father wishes it," said Herbert. "I believe he meant to see you
to-day to ask leave of absence for me. That is what he wishes; but
I have made up my mind that I ought to resign the curacy--where I
have never been any use to you--though, if I had been well, I meant
to have worked a year with you as a priest."

"I don't like to lose you, but I think you are right. Your
beginning with me was a mistake. There is not enough work for three
of us; but you know Easterby would be delighted to have you at St.
Nicholas. He says his most promising people talk of what you said
to them when they were ill, and he asked me if you could possibly
come to him."

"I think it would be better to begin in a new place, further from
home," said Herbert, quietly.

And both knew what he meant, and how hard it would be to be the
clergyman he had learnt to wish to be, if his mother were at hand to
be distressed by all he did or did not do.

"But, any way," added Herbert, "I hope to have some time longer at
Compton before I go. Next Sunday, if I only _can_."

His mind was evidently full of the Feast of the Sunday, and Julius
answered, "Whichever Sunday you are strong enough, of course, dear
fellow. You had better come with him, Jenny, and sleep at the
Rectory."

"Oh! thank you. I should like nothing so much; and I think they
will spare me that one day."

"You will come in for a grand gathering, that is, if poor Cecil
accepts. Miles thinks she ought to be godmother."

"Oh!"

"And no one has said a word of any cloud. It is better he should
know nothing."

"And oh! Julius, is it true that her father has bought Sirenwood for
her?"

"Quite true. You know it was proposed at first, but the trustees
doubted of the title; but when all that was cleared up, it turned
out to be a better investment than Swanslea, and so they settled it,
without much reference to her."

"She will let it, of course?"

"I suppose so."

"You don't think she will come to the christening?"

"I cannot tell; Rose has had one or two very sad letters from her.
She wanted us very much to come to Dunstone, and was much
disappointed that we were prevented. I fancy her heart has turned
to us, and that it is very sore, poor thing."

Julius was right. Cecil did return an answer, whose warmth quite
amazed all but Miles and Anne,