There was a moment's pause, which I broke by saying: "I wanted to see you, sir, about the change in my plans, which, as Mr. Shenstone's nearest friend, you would, perhaps, be kind enough to sanction." "It was about that that I came this evening." "You are very kind, sir, and so I may go at once to the subject. You know, of course, of Mr. Shenstone's legacy; that, with my own property, is sufficient to provide very comfortably for Kitty and myself. I propose making my arrangements to leave here within a fortnight, keeping Kitty with me; but for the other servant, Mary, I would ask your advice. She has been some time in the family, and is a faithful person. Would it be best to leave her in the house till it is otherwise occupied, or to provide a place for her, and close the house? You know, as I shall have the packing up and settling of all at the last, it is necessary I should know your wishes." "I do not quite comprehend. I had understood from Mr. Shenstone that it was his wish that you should remain for the present here. Did he not express the same to you?" "He did, sir, but it was a mistaken kindness. I had rather go now; and I do not think there can be any wrong in disregarding a request which he only meant as an indulgence and a respite, and would not have insisted on if he had known my reasons." "Can I know them?" "They are so many, sir, it would not be worth while to trouble you." "Am I wrong when I fancy that one is, that the house belongs to one from whom you would not endure an obligation?" "You put it too harshly, sir; but in truth I do not like obligations." "You would incur none, then, let me assure you, by remaining here. The house will be unoccupied; I should be glad to have some one in it, and there is, I fear, little chance of having the parish permanently suited with a clergyman before fall, and even after that, there is no necessity of retaining this as a parsonage; there are one or two houses nearer the church, which would, indeed, be more convenient." "Thank you, sir, but it will be impossible. You do not estimate the difficulties. I cannot stay here: and perhaps you will be kind enough to tell me what to do about the arrangement of the books. Shall they be packed, or are they to remain on the shelves? And here, sir, is the key of the private drawers in that book-case, that I was to give you when you came." My voice faltered as I delivered my kind friend's last message. There was a long pause, then Mr. Rutledge said: "These things are very trying to you now; there is no need that you should distress yourself by attending to them at once. Leave them till later." "No, sir, it is better that they should be all arranged before you go. I do not mind the effort of undertaking it at once." "But how do you know I am going? Why will not a few weeks hence do as well?"