“Tell the messenger I will be up directly,” he said; and as the maid left the room, “what is wrong now? Come, come, be a man.”
He smiled to himself as he took up his hat and stick, and walked up the street, to be greeted here and there with friendly nods.
He was shown at once into the drawing-room, where Mrs Glaire was seated with Eve, and after a kindly, sad greeting, the latter left the room.
“I have good news for you, Mr Selwood,” said Mrs Glaire, smiling, but looking worn and pale.
“I’m very glad,” said the vicar, pressing her hand.
“Richard has promised me that if the men do not come in, he will give way and reopen the works.”
“And when?” said the vicar, joyfully.
“He will call the men together this day week, for the furnaces to be lit, so as to begin work on the Monday.”
“Mrs Glaire, this is indeed good news,” said the vicar. “May I see him and congratulate him?”
“I think it would be better not,” said Mrs Glaire. “But,” she continued, watching his face as she spoke, “I have other news for you.”