"Do not trouble yourself about that. I shall content myself with anything; it is knowledge I came after."
"I—I suppose my friend said something about terms," faltered the minister's wife, blushing.
"Certainly; but that was for children; of course I shall be more trouble. If I pay you just as much again will it answer?"
"It would be wrong to take it."
"Not at all; so if you will have the trunks carried in we can settle the terms comfortably. I am ready to pay half the sum in advance, and commence study at once."
Mrs. Prior called the hired girl to help carry in the trunks, and led the way into the parlor. Mr. Prior passed them in the hall and made one of his solemnly polite bows. The visitor answered it with a sweeping salutation, and entered the parlor a little discomfited.
"Your husband is a clergyman, as I understand?"
"Yes, he is the minister here; I hope you will like him."
"Oh, certainly."
The lady placed her travelling basket on the table, and opening it took out a heavy purse. Pouring out a quantity of gold she divided it without counting and pushed it toward Mrs. Prior.