"Then you're going to do two more lecterns?"
"As soon as I can find time." He explained his scheme for the next, keeping it up all along the main street. She wondered whether this were of set purpose, to avoid more ticklish topics.
As they neared the Rectory, her mind had wandered elsewhere; and the Rector reverted into dumbness. His burly frame did not preclude mental sensitiveness; and he knew in a moment when she no longer listened.
"Daddy,"—and she stood still, just within the Rectory gate,—"did you get Dick Maurice's letter, and mine?"
"Yes, yes, child." He tried to hurry her on. "Come—mother is looking out."
"But I want to know. Does she mind?"
"Ask her, my dear. She'll tell you."
The girl hesitated, and he went ahead.
"Here she is," he called joyously, opening the front door.
At once became apparent the fallacy of previous imaginings. Mrs. Winton came forward with an anxious smile; and Doris was folded in large, outspread arms,—folded and held.