Here he lived his bachelor life quite alone but for the occasional sight of the old negro couple that were waiting on him—Aunt Nancy, who did all his housework, and Uncle Ned, who worked in the garden.
He found the faithful old couple prepared to receive him and his guest.
A tempting repast, combining the attractions of dinner and tea, was ready to be placed upon the table just as soon as the gentlemen should have made their toilets after their long journey.
Mr. Lyle led his guest into a fresh, pretty room, with white muslin curtains at the vine-clad windows and a white dimity spread on the bed, and white flower enameled cottage furniture completing the appointments.
"This is a room for a pretty girl rather than for a grim miner," said Victor Hartman, looking admiringly around the little apartment.
"I call it the 'Chamber of Peace,' and that is why I put you in it," said Mr. Lyle.
After they had washed and dressed they went down together to the cozy little dining-room, where they did such justice to the tea-dinner as made Aunt Nancy's heart crow for joy.
And when that was over they went into the snug little parlor and sat down to talk over their plans.
It was then that Mr. Lyle informed Victor Hartman that he was doing all the work of the parish during Dr. Goodwin's hopeless indisposition, and that he had been doing it for the last twelve months.
"You will succeed him here as rector, I presume?" said Victor.