Then she went out through the little gate into the park, rejoicing in the fresh green underfoot and around her. A wide beaten path led her across the sward down to the edge of the lake. Here she found a boathouse and small landing stage, and in an enclosure fenced off from the cattle was a very pretty little chalet evidently used for making afternoon tea. The door was unlocked, and inside she found remains of a meal. Unwashed cups and saucers were on the table. An open cupboard showed more crockery and a small oil stove. Then she went outside, and sitting on the short grass under the shade of an acacia tree, she looked out upon the blue lake before her. It was very still, only a little ripple washed up at her feet. Opposite were the blue Fells and mountains, some in the background crested with wreaths of cloud. She watched the wonderful lights and shadows playing across them, and her thoughts were lifted for the time away from rebellious children and a disordered house. Suddenly a voice beside her broke in upon her musings. "Good afternoon." She turned quickly. A tall, broad-shouldered man in clerical attire stood before her. She encountered a pair of keen, kindly eyes looking at her between shaggy brows. "I must introduce myself. I am the new parson. I was only inducted a few weeks ago and I heard Mr. Holme was here for a day or two, so came to pay my respects to him. He is my nearest neighbour." The hearty, pleasant voice brought relief to Anstice's heart. Here was some one who would be friendly, possibly a real help-giver. She shook hands with him. "My husband is out visiting his tenants. I am so glad to see you. I am enjoying this most exquisite view." "May I do the same, and sit down beside you? I have come from a busy life in Liverpool, so you can imagine what all this means to me." "It must be a great contrast," said Anstice. "Yes, I feel I am too young to be relegated into such a retreat, but heart trouble has enforced rest, and I'm only a crock at present." "I expect you have been overdoing it." "I have been told so. It is difficult to prevent it. I have a scattered parish here, a good many farm-houses amongst the Fells. I hear that Mr. Holme is seldom here. But his tenants seem devoted to him. I am sorry to miss him." "He leaves to-morrow for a sea voyage." "And do you go with him?" "No, I shall stay here. There are his children to be mothered, and I am going to try to do it." Then she added impulsively: "I am a stranger here, and I am wondering whether I am going to prove a success or failure. Can you give me a receipt for winning love?" He looked at her with a smile. "You will not find that difficult. Love as you are loved." "Ah, but I have come into a hostile atmosphere, as far as the children are concerned." "Love as you are loved," he repeated. "The Hand that fashioned all this fair beauty before us is holding your life in its loving keeping." Anstice looked grave.