During the last two or three minutes, and just before that approving "good" had responded to the Parson's popular sentiment, a door communicating with an inner room had been gently opened, and stood ajar; but this incident neither party had even noticed. But now the door was thrown boldly open, and the traveler whom the Parson had met at the inn walked up to Mr. Dale, and said, "No! that's not the end of the matter. You say the boy's a 'cute clever lad?" "Richard, have you been listening?" exclaimed Mrs. Avenel. "Well, I guess, yes--the last few minutes." "And what have you heard?" "Why, that this reverend gentleman thinks so highly of my sister Fairfield's boy that he offers to pay half of his keep at college. Sir, I'm very much obliged to you, and there's my hand, if you'll take it." The Parson jumped up, overjoyed, and, with a triumphant glance toward Mrs. Avenel, shook hands heartily with Mr. Richard. "Now," said the latter, "just put on your hat, sir, and take a stroll with me, and we'll discuss the thing business-like. Women don't understand business; never talk to women on business." With these words, Mr. Richard drew out a cigar-case, selected a cigar, which he applied to the candle, and walked into the hall. Mrs. Avenel caught hold of the Parson. "Sir, you'll be on your guard with Richard. Remember your promise." "He does not know all, then?" "He? No! And you see he did not overhear more than what he says. I'm sure you're a gentleman, and won't go agin your word." "My word was conditional; but I will promise you never to break the silence without more reason than I think there is here for it. Indeed, Mr. Richard Avenel seems to save all necessity for that." "Are you coming, sir?" cried Richard, as he opened the street door. CHAPTER XIV. The Parson joined Mr. Richard Avenel on the road. It was a fine night, and the moon clear and shining. "So, then," said Mr. Richard thoughtfully, "poor Jane, who was always the drudge of the family, has contrived to bring up her son well; and the boy is really what you say, eh?--could make a figure at college?" "I am sure of it," said the Parson, hooking himself on to the arm which Mr. Avenel proffered. "I should like to see him," said Richard. "Has he any manner? Is he genteel? or a mere country lout?" "Indeed he speaks with so much propriety, and has so much modest dignity, I might say, about him, that there's many a rich gentleman who would be proud of such a son."