"If you would only talk things out with me instead of keeping me in such complete ignorance of parish matters," she said with a little sob which Luke did not notice as his mind was full of his hopes being frustrated. "I can't help making mistakes when I know nothing. Why don't you sometimes consult with me?" The effort to speak and yet to say nothing that would give him a hint of her feelings towards his mother was so great, that she found herself trembling and leant against the mantle piece for support. Luke hesitated before answering. If he had said what was at that moment in his mind he would have reminded her of her unwise action this afternoon, adding that he scarcely felt she was competent of giving him advice, or indeed of discussing any subject of importance with him; He had, moreover, slowly come to his mother's opinion that Rachel was not fitted in any way for parish work. The home was her sphere and no-one could possibly keep his home better for him. And if this afternoon's work was a specimen of Rachel's wisdom, he was thankful to his mother for opening his eyes to his wife's incapacity although occasionally he had doubted her judgment. But glancing at his wife as she stood leaning against the mantle piece, and, noticing the worried anxious expression of her face, he kept his thoughts to himself, saying: "You have quite enough to worry you with the housekeeping bills I am sure. I don't want to add a grain of anxiety." "But don't you see how much less I should worry if I knew a little of what is passing in your mind. I often wonder and wonder what you are thinking of when you sit silent and deep in thought. If you would only tell me sometimes." He gave a little laugh. "Oh well don't worry now any more about this," he said. "It will all be the same a hundred years hence." Then he added with forced cheerfulness, "It's no use crying over spilt milk. The thing is done and it can't be helped; and I know it has been done in kindness. Cheer up dear." As he left the room Rachel sat down on the sofa. His last words had stung her.