'Sometimes, when old Lady Chelford and her son are staying there.' 'But the neighbours can't entertain them, I fancy, or you. What a dreary thing a dinner party made up of such people must be--like "Aesop's Fables," where the cows and sheep converse.' 'And sometimes a wolf or a fox,' she said. 'Well, Radie, I know you mean me; but as you wish it, I'll carry my fangs elsewhere;--and what has become of Will Wylder?' 'Oh! he's in the Church!' 'Quite right--the only thing he was fit for;' and Captain Lake laughed like a man who enjoys a joke slily. 'And where is poor Billy quartered?' 'Not quite half a mile away; he has got the vicarage of Naunton Friars.' 'Oh, then, Will is not quite such a fool as we took him for.' 'It is worth just L180 a year! but he's very far from a fool.' 'Yes, of course, he knows Greek poets and Latin fathers, and all the rest of it. I don't mean he ever was plucked. I dare say he's the kind of fellow _you'd_ like very well, Radie.' And his sly eyes had a twinkle in them which seemed to say, 'Perhaps I've divined your secret.' 'And so I do, and I like his wife, too, _very_ much.' 'His wife! So William has married on L180 a year;' and the captain laughed quietly but very pleasantly again. 'On a very little more, at all events; and I think they are about the happiest, and I'm sure they are the best people in this part of the world.' 'Well, Radie, I'll see you to-morrow again. You preserve your good looks wonderfully. I wonder you haven't become an old woman here.' And he kissed her, and went his way, with a slight wave of his hand, and his odd smile, as he closed the little garden gate after him. He turned to his left, walking down towards the town, and the innocent green trees hid him quickly, and the gush and tinkle of the clear brook rose faint and pleasantly through the leaves, from the depths of the glen, and refreshed her ear after his unpleasant talk. She was flushed, and felt oddly; a little stunned and strange, although she had talked lightly and easily enough.