"I think it is more than exercise or society," replied Miss Linisfarne, joyously, and glanced at the portrait.
The vicar glanced also, but wilfully chose to misinterpret her meaning. It was his intention to make her confession as difficult as possible, and, if there was any chance, to avert it altogether.
"Hey, ma'm! Are you in love with Sir Alurde?"
"No. Not with Sir Alurde," said Miss Linisfarne, pointedly; "but with some one who greatly resembles him."
"And who may that be?" asked Jarner, dryly.
"Cannot you guess? I have sent for you in order to speak on this very subject."
The vicar pretended to search his memory, and shook his head with feigned vexation.
"No, Miss Linisfarne; I cannot guess with whom you are infatuated."
"Infatuated, sir!" she cried, starting to her feet.
"Does the word displease you, ma'm?"