Bayle shook it warmly and left the verandah, Eaton walking with him to the gate.
“Jack,” said Mrs Otway softly, “it’s my belief that the parson loves Julia Hallam himself.”
“You think so?”
“I’m sure of it.”
“And will he marry her?”
“No. I’m about sure that she is desperately fond of our boy, and the parson is too true a man to stand in the way.”
“Nonsense!” said the Captain. “Such men are not made now.”
“But they were when Christie Bayle was born,” she said, nodding her head quickly. “Yes,” she said, after a pause, as they heard Eaton’s returning steps; “it’s a knot, Jack.”
“Humph!” he replied. “For time to untie.”