The upshot was, that Sir John gave in, and sanctioned the engagement. There was an excellent living somewhere down in the North--eight hundred pounds a-year, a handsome house, and some land--the next presentation to which the canon could command. He had intended it for his eldest son; but he, by some lucky chance, had just obtained a better preferment, and the doctor could promise it to Charles. The present incumbent was old and ailing; therefore, in all probability, it would very speedily fall in. The canon added that he might settle on the young people a small sum at their marriage, say a hundred a-year, or so; and he also hinted that Charles might stand a chance of better preferment later--say a snug canonry. So Sir John shook hands heartily upon the bargain, invited the canon to stay dinner, and sent for Charles. For the next six weeks who so happy as the curate and Helen? They came over to us at Dyke Manor (for we had gone back there) for a day or two, and we learnt to like him with our whole hearts. What a good, earnest, warm-natured man he was; and oh, how unselfish! I remember one evening in particular when they were out together, pacing the field-path. Helen had his arm, and he was talking to her in what seemed an uncommonly solemn manner: for his hand was lifted now and then in earnestness, and both were gazing upwards. It was a beautiful sky: the sun had set in splendour, leaving crimson and gold clouds behind it, the evening star twinkled in the deepening canopy. Mrs. Todhetley sent me to them. A poor woman had come up for broth for her sick son, one of our labourers. She was in great distress: a change had taken place in him for the worse, he was calling for the clergyman to come to him before he died: but Mr. Holland was out that evening--gone to Evesham. "Johnny, I--I think Mr. Leafchild would go," said the mater. "Do you mind asking him?" Hardly any need to ask. At the first word he was hastening to the woman and walking away with her. Helen's eyes, gazing at the sky still, were wet with tears. "Is it not beautiful, Johnny?" "Very." It was a glorious sunset. "But I never saw it as I see it now. He is teaching me many things. I cannot hope to be ever as he is, Johnny, not half as good; but I think in time he will make me a little like him." "You have a happy life before you." "Yes--I hope so," she said hesitatingly. "But sometimes a feeling makes itself heard within me--that one who is so entirely fitted for the next world may not long be left in this." II.