'So you wrote, and I told Rugg, who said that would wear off gradually; but I cannot see that he is mending.'
'Nor does he think so,' said Clement.
'Rugg declares that there is no reason he should not entirely get over this, and he never gives any encouragement he can help. I shall not rest till May has seen him.'
'I should have sent if you had not been coming.'
'So he is low about himself, dear fellow! Have you had it out with him?'
'Nay, he seemed to me quite willing it should be so. If he is not, I don't know who should be! He never seems to have been from under the shadow of his cathedral. I believe he rather puzzled Miss Isabella the other day!'
'You don't mean that she has been at him?
'Yes, she affected an entrance when no one was on guard but poor little Stella, who was dreadfully upset, and told Cherry all about it. It seems the good lady is shocked at our all deceiving him.'
'And took it on herself to warn him?'
'And to inquire if he were a Christian, and into the foundation of his hope—all which he seems to have received as a kindness. Stella says he answered that he was quite aware of his condition, but he did not think there was much need to grieve himself or others over it. Indeed, she—Miss Isabella—told me herself that he is a heavenly-minded young man.'