"When, and where?"
"First, at the Gates of Dawn. Second, on the crest of the ridge. Third, at afternoon tea, in my dell, yesterday. Fourth, to-day at Farbis Court."
"My lord--my lord, you----"
"Don't call me 'my lord'!"
"Ay, but I shall, my lord. This is a serious matter, and it behoves you to talk with me in your true colours. As a priest, my Lord Ardleigh, I tell you that it is wrong for you to behave so!"
"I don't understand you, sir," said Dan, placidly. He was not at all put out by the vicar's anger, which he considered just enough, in the parson's present state of misapprehension.
"She has been to your dell, sir--alone."
"Don't go too far, sir! You have no right to judge me without a hearing!"
"The Lord forgive me if I am harsh!" said Jarner, wiping his forehead; "but the girl is dear to me, and I would not have a hair of her head harmed for all the gold of Ophir. I listen, my lord."
"There is not much to tell, Mr. Jarner. Meg had tea with me in the dell; and it was there I fell in love with her."