"H'm!" said Ackworth, examining the dog's strong white teeth; "I can't say I'd like to get a bite from these jaws. But anyone could run away, seeing that Jane is lame."
"I think Jane is obstinate enough to follow until she can get her bite," said Clarice, dryly. "I never knew so dogged a dog. There's a pun for you, Anthony. Why don't you laugh?"
To please her Anthony did laugh, and was rebuked for the obvious effort he made. Then Clarice romped with Jane, who barked and danced as well as her lameness permitted. The trio in short behaved like children, and their careless glee went far to dispel the gloomy atmosphere, which for weeks had pervaded the house. And Clarice, by this time, was recovering from the effects of the tragedy, and was more like her old bright self. On this especial evening, Anthony stopped to dinner, and, heedless of the necessity of a chaperon, they enjoyed themselves greatly. It was quite a foretaste of the time when they would be Darby and Joan by their own particular fireside.
However, after pleasure comes business, and next afternoon, Miss Baird set out for the vicarage. She had ascertained that the Clarkes had returned in the morning, and called a few hours later, anxious to get Ferdy's business settled, so that she could arrange her own life. Often had the girl wondered why Mr. Clarke, who had seemed markedly pleased when the engagement was announced, should have placed any bar in the way of the marriage. She was resolved to come to a complete understanding; to learn the reason for this whim, and to use any power she possessed to bring about the desirable match. Whatever objection Mr. Clarke could urge against Ferdy, Clarice was certain that Prudence would remain true to her absent lover. Prudence had always loved Ferdy deeply, from the time they were boy and girl together.
Mr. Clarke proved to be in his study, and Clarice found him unpacking some parcels. She was astonished to see how ill the man looked. He had never enjoyed the best of health, and was invariably badly dressed and absent-minded. But now he looked leaner than ever, and his eyes avoided her own, uneasily. Clarice sat down in a perfect state of consternation.
"My dear Mr. Clarke," she said, as soon as she could get her breath, "what on earth is the matter?"
"Nothing," said the vicar, with a weary sigh, and went on with his unpacking in a restless, disturbed manner.
"But you went away for your health," persisted Miss Baird, "and you have been breathing the sea-air for three weeks. It doesn't seem to have done you a particle of good.
"When the mind is ill at ease, Clarice, there is no chance of the body regaining health."
"What's the matter now?" asked Clarice, abruptly.