“You would like to see her my wife, Salis?”
“If it were for your happiness and hers, I would gladly see you man and wife,” said the curate warmly; “but don’t be hasty, my dear fellow. It is for life, remember.”
“Remember? Oh, yes, I know all that,” said North hastily.
Salis extended his hand, which the other took.
“Don’t be offended with me, Horace, old friend. I wish to see you both happy.”
“I know it, I know it,” said the doctor; and then catching; sight of Moredock in the churchyard, he hesitated, half nervous as to what Salis might have to say to the old man, but, convinced the next moment that his fears were without base, he hurriedly said a few words and went away.
“I can’t see it,” said Salis bitterly. “They seem so thoroughly unsuited the one for the other. I wish it could have been so, for Leo’s sake. Ah, well,” he added, as he walked through the old gate, “time settles these things better than we can. Good morning, Moredock.”
“Mornin’, sir—mornin’.”
“Is the vestry open?”
“Yes, sir; door’s open, sir. You can go through the church or round at the back. Through the church is best.”