cares to think of; I can't afford the
harmless little amusement of falling in love--so be easy, Phineas."

I smiled; and we began a discussion on camps and fosses, vallum and
praetorium; the Danes, Saxons, and Normans; which, doubtless, we
carried on to a most learned length: but at this distance of time, and
indeed the very day after, I plead guilty to having forgotten all about
it.

That long, quiet Sunday, when, I remember, the sun never came out all
day, but the whole earth and sky melted together in a soft, grey haze;
when we lay on the common and heard church-bells ringing, some distant,
some near; and, after all was quiet, talked our own old sabbath talks,
of this world and the world to come; when, towards twilight, we went
down into the beech-wood below the house, and sat idly there among the
pleasant-smelling ferns; when, from the morning to the evening, he
devoted himself altogether to my comfort and amusement--to perfect
which required of him no harder duty than to be near me always;--that
Sunday was the last I ever had David altogether for my own--my very own.

It was natural, it was just, it was right. God forbid that in any way
I should have murmured.

About ten o'clock--just as he was luring me out to see how grand the
common looked under the black night, and we were wondering whether or
no the household were in bed--Mrs. Tod came mysteriously into the
parlour and shut the door after her. Her round, fresh face looked
somewhat troubled.

"Mr. Halifax, might I speak a word to 'ee, sir?"

"With pleasure. Sit down, Mrs. Tod. There's nothing wrong with your
children?"

"No, I thank'ee. You are very kind, sir. No, it be about that poor
Miss March."

I could see John's fingers twitch over the chair he was leaning on. "I
hope--" he began, and stopped.

"Her father is dreadful bad to-night, and it's a good seven-mile walk
to the doctor's at S----; and Miss March says--that is, she don't, for
I bean't going to tell her a word about it--but I think, Mr. Halifax,
if I might make so bold, it would be a great kindness in a young
gentleman like you to lend Tod your mare to ride over and fetch the
doctor."

"I will, gladly. At once?"

"Tod bean't come in yet."

"He shall have the mare with pleasure. Tell Miss March so--I mean, do
not tell her, of course. It was very right of you to come to us in
this way, Mrs. Tod. Really, it would be almost a treat to be ill in
your house--you are so kind."