"I expect you have been overdoing it."
"I have been told so. It is difficult to prevent it. I have a scattered parish here, a good many farm-houses amongst the Fells. I hear that Mr. Holme is seldom here. But his tenants seem devoted to him. I am sorry to miss him."
"He leaves to-morrow for a sea voyage."
"And do you go with him?"
"No, I shall stay here. There are his children to be mothered, and I am going to try to do it." Then she added impulsively: "I am a stranger here, and I am wondering whether I am going to prove a success or failure. Can you give me a receipt for winning love?"
He looked at her with a smile.
"You will not find that difficult. Love as you are loved."
"Ah, but I have come into a hostile atmosphere, as far as the children are concerned."
"Love as you are loved," he repeated. "The Hand that fashioned all this fair beauty before us is holding your life in its loving keeping."
Anstice looked grave.