"Dear, dear! What a comfort that must be," said the old man.
"I have not seen her yet," said Mrs. Grantly; "but the archdeacon declares that she is all the graces rolled into one."
"I never said anything half so absurd," replied the archdeacon.
"But he really is quite in love with her, papa," said Mrs. Grantly. "He confessed to me that he gave her a kiss, and he only saw her once for five minutes."
"I should like to give her a kiss," said Mr. Harding.
"So you shall, papa, and I'll bring her here on purpose. As soon as ever the thing is settled, we mean to ask her to Plumstead."
"Do you though? How nice! How happy Henry will be!"
"And if she comes—and of course she will—I'll lose no time in bringing her over to you. Nelly must see her of course."
As they were leaving the room Mr. Harding called the archdeacon back, and taking him by the hand, spoke one word to him in a whisper. "I don't like to interfere," he said; "but might not Mr. Crawley have St Ewold's?" The archdeacon took up the old man's hand and kissed it. Then he followed his wife out of the room, without making any answer to Mr. Harding's question.
Three days after this Mrs. Arabin reached the deanery, and the joy at her return was very great. "My dear, I have been sick for you," said Mr. Harding.