The servant returned to the kitchen with a letter in his hand.
"This time master opened the door," he said; "and gave me this letter to take up to Mr. Markham at Holloway. But I shall take the omnibus there and back."
Thomas then departed to execute his commission.
Shortly after he was gone, the bell of the rector's room rang.
Mrs. Kenrick hastened to answer it.
She found Mr. Tracy sitting in a musing attitude before the fire in his bed-room.
"My dear Mrs. Kenrick," he said, "I wish to have some conversation with you—I need scarcely now explain upon what subject. I have sent Thomas out of the way with an excuse: do you get rid of Katherine for an hour; I am faint—and require refreshment; and I will take my tea with you in the kitchen."
"In the kitchen, sir!" exclaimed the housekeeper, in surprise.
"Yes—if you will permit me," answered the rector: "I can then converse with you at the same time."
Mrs. Kenrick left the room to execute her master's wishes; and, as she descended the stairs, she thought within herself, "I am right! he has repented: he will become the virtuous and upright man he once was!"