Oh, my own dear mamma, you would never –”

‘She cried more than ever. I was truly sorry for her, and had just taken her hand, and began – “My dear Miss Bullock –” when the door in the wall of the vicarage-garden opened. It was the Vicar letting out Miss Tomkinson, whose face was all swelled with crying. He saw me; but he did not bow, or make any sign. On the contrary, he looked down as from a severe eminence, and shut the door hastily. I turned to Miss Bullock.

‘“I am afraid the Vicar has been hearing something to my disadvantage from Miss Tomkinson, and it is very awkward –” She finished my sentence – “To have found us here together. Yes, but as long as we understand that we do not care for each other, it does not signify what people say.”

‘“Oh, but to me it does,” said I. “I may, perhaps, tell you – but do not mention it to a creature – I am attached to Miss Hutton.”

‘“To Sophy! Oh, Mr Harrison, I am so glad; she is such a sweet creature. Oh, I wish you joy.”

‘“Not yet; I have never spoken about it.”

‘“Oh, but it is certain to happen.” She jumped with a woman’s rapidity to a conclusion. And then she began to praise Sophy. Never was a man yet who did not like to hear the praises of his mistress. I walked by her side; we came past the front of the vicarage together. I looked up, and saw Sophy there, and she saw me.

‘That afternoon she was sent away; sent to visit her aunt ostensibly; in reality, because of the reports of my conduct, which were showered down upon the Vicar, and one of which he saw confirmed by his own eyes.

Chapter XXIV

‘I HEARD OF Sophy’s departure as one heard of everything, soon after it had taken place. I did not care for the awkwardness of my situation, which had so perplexed and amused me in the morning. I felt that something was wrong; that Sophy was taken away from me. I sank into despair. If anybody liked to marry me they might. I was willing to be sacrificed. I did not speak to Mrs Rose. She wondered at me, and grieved over my coldness, I saw; but I had left off feeling anything. Miss Tomkinson cut me in the street; and it did not break my heart. Sophy was gone away; that was all I cared for. Where had they sent her to? Who was her aunt, that she should go and visit her? One day I met Lizzie, who looked as though she had been told not to speak to me, but could not help doing so.

‘“Have you heard from your sister?” said I.

‘“Yes.”

‘“Where is she? I hope she is well.”

‘“She is at the Leoms” – I was not much wiser. “Oh yes, she is very well. Fanny says she was at the Assembly last Wednesday, and danced all night with the officers.”

‘I thought I would enter myself a member of the Peace Society at once. She was a little flirt, and a hard-hearted creature. I don’t think I wished Lizzie good-by.

Chapter XXV

‘WHAT MOST PEOPLE would have considered a more serious evil than Sophy’s absence, befell me. I found that my practice was falling off. The prejudice of the town ran strongly against me. Mrs Munton told me all that was said.