"Not in the least," said the vicar, smiling, "often. Look here, Richard Glaire," he continued, laying his hand upon the young man's shoulder, "you don't understand me." "Will you--er--have the goodness--" "Oh, yes, of course," said the vicar, "I'll explain all in good time; but look here, my good young friend, I'm here in a particular position, and I mean to be a sort of shadow or fate to you." "I really am at a loss to understand," began Richard, whose anger was vainly struggling against the strong will opposed to him. "I see," said the vicar, "you've been out and didn't know I was coming to dinner. Don't apologise. Ah, Miss Pelly!" This to Eve, who had heard the voices; and Richard's face grew white with passion as he saw the girl's bright animated countenance and glad reception of their visitor. She tripped down the stairs, and placed both her hands in his, exclaiming-- "I'm so glad, Mr Selwood. Aunt didn't tell me you were coming to dinner till just now." "And so am I glad," he said, with a smile touched with sadness overspreading his face, as he saw the eager pleasant look that greeted him, one that he was well enough read in the human countenance to see had nothing in it but the hearty friendly welcome of an ingenuous maiden, who knew and liked him for his depth and conversation. "We shall have a long chat to-night, I hope, and some music." They were entering the drawing-room together as he spoke. "Oh yes, yes," cried she, eagerly. "I can never get Dick to sing now. Do you sing, Mr Selwood?" "Well, yes, a little," he said, smiling down at her. "And play?" "Yes, a little." "What? Not the piano?" "Just a little," he said. "I am better on the organ." "Oh, I am so glad," cried Eve. "Aunt will be here directly; I'm so glad you've come to Dumford. The old vicar was so stiff, and would sit here when he did come, and play backgammon all the evening without speaking." "Backgammon, eh?" said the visitor; "not a very lively game for the lookers on." "Yes, and it was so funny," laughed Eve, "he never would allow cards in his presence, though he played with the dice; and it used to make dear Dick so cross because aunt used to hide the cards. But, oh dear," she exclaimed, colouring slightly, "I hope you don't object to whist." "My dear Miss Pelly," he said, laughing, "I like every innocent game. I think they all are as medicine to correct the acidity and bitterness of some of the hard work of life." "Then you'll play croquet with us?" "That I will." "Oh, I am glad," cried Eve, with almost childish pleasure. "I can beat Dick easily now, Mr Selwood, for he neglects his croquet horribly. Mind I don't beat you." "I won't murmur," he said, laughing. "But where's aunt?" cried Eve. "She came down before me." "Aunt" had gone straight into the dining-room to see that all things were in a proper state of preparation, and had stopped short in the doorway on seeing Eve's reception of their guest.