The Rector came in with his smiling and rosy face. He was, as many of his parishioners thought, a picture of a country clergyman. Such a healthy colour, as clear as a girl’s, limpid blue eyes, with very light eyelashes and eyebrows; a nice round face, “beautifully modelled,” according to Miss Sarah Hill, who did a little in that way herself, and knew how to approve of a Higher Sculptor’s work. And then the neatest and blackest of coats, and the whitest and stiffest of collars. Mr. Hudson, I need scarcely say, was not so left to himself as to permit his clerical character to be divined by means of a white tie. He came in, as was natural among country neighbours, without thinking of any bell or knocker on the easily opened door, and was about to peep into the drawing-room with “Anybody in?” upon his smiling lips, when he saw a gentleman approaching, picking up his hat as he advanced. Mr. Hudson paused a moment in uncertainty. “Mr. Compton, I am sure,” he said, holding out both of his plump pink hands. “Ah, Elinor too! I was sure I could not be mistaken. And I am exceedingly glad to make your acquaintance.” He shook Phil’s hand up and down in a sort of see-saw. “Very glad to make your acquaintance! though you are the worst enemy Windyhill has had for many a day--carrying off the finest lamb in all the fold.” “Yes, I’m a wolf, I suppose,” said Phil. He went to the door and took a long look out while Elinor led the Rector into the drawing-room. Then Mr. Compton lounged in after them, with his hands in his pockets, and placed himself in the bow-window, where he could still see the white line across the combe of the distant road. “They’ll think I have stolen a march upon them all, Elinor,” said the Rector, “chancing upon Mr. Compton like this, a quite unexpected pleasure. I shall keep them on the tenterhooks, asking them whom they suppose I have met? and they will give everybody but the right person. What a thing for me to have been the first person to see your intended, my dear! and I congratulate you, Elinor,” said the Rector, dropping his voice; “a fine handsome fellow, and such an air! You are a lucky girl--” he paused a little and said, with a slight hesitation, in a whisper, “so far as meets the eye.” “Oh, Mr. Hudson, don’t spoil everything,” said Elinor, in the same tone.