There was a burst of applause at this, and the meeting broke up, the folded flags being carefully buttoned up in Barker's breast, while Sim Slee walked stiffly home, with a sword down each leg of his trousers, and the hilts under his scarlet waistcoat, beneath his arms. Volume 3, Chapter V. MR SELWOOD HEARS NEWS. There was a week clear before the plot was to have effect, and the place was wonderfully quiet. The vicar, looking very pale and anxious, was sitting in his study on the morning after the meeting at the Bull, when a note was brought to him from the Big House, and he coloured slightly as he read it. "Tell the messenger I will be up directly," he said; and as the maid left the room, "what is wrong now? Come, come, be a man." He smiled to himself as he took up his hat and stick, and walked up the street, to be greeted here and there with friendly nods. He was shown at once into the drawing-room, where Mrs Glaire was seated with Eve, and after a kindly, sad greeting, the latter left the room. "I have good news for you, Mr Selwood," said Mrs Glaire, smiling, but looking worn and pale. "I'm very glad," said the vicar, pressing her hand. "Richard has promised me that if the men do not come in, he will give way and reopen the works." "And when?" said the vicar, joyfully. "He will call the men together this day week, for the furnaces to be lit, so as to begin work on the Monday." "Mrs Glaire, this is indeed good news," said the vicar. "May I see him and congratulate him?" "I think it would be better not," said Mrs Glaire. "But," she continued, watching his face as she spoke, "I have other news for you." The vicar bowed. "Yes," she said; "but first of all, though, these communications are made to you in strict confidence. You must not let the matter be known in the town, because my son would rather that the men gave way." "If they do not, he really will?" "He has given me his faithful promise," said Mrs Glaire, "and he will keep it now." "I will not doubt him," said the vicar. "I am very, very glad. And your other news?" he said, smiling. "My son will be married very shortly." "Married?" said the vicar, starting; "and to Daisy Banks?" "No!" exclaimed Mrs Glaire, in a short thick voice, a spasm seeming to catch her, as she spoke. "To his cousin, to whom he is betrothed." There was a dead silence as the vicar, whose face was of an ashen pallor, looked straight before him at vacancy, while Mrs Glaire sat watching him, with her hand placed to her side. "You do not congratulate me," she said at last in a piteous tone. "Mr Selwood, dear friend--the only friend I can fly to in this time of trouble--you will help me?" "Help you?" he said in a stony way. "How can I help you?" "I have striven so for this," she continued, speaking hastily. "They have long been promised to each other, and it will be for the best." "For the best," he said, slowly repeating her words.