“No; I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him. He—you had gone abroad before I came to Omberley.”
“Then you have not been here long?”
“Not quite a year yet.”
“And do you like the place—and the people?”
“Both, very much indeed!”
“You are not married yet, I think Mr. Haldane said?”
The vicar looked at her with a sadness that was almost reproachful as he answered, “No; I have my sister living with me.”
“How pleasant! You must bring Miss Santley with you when you come, will you not?”
As she spoke she moved slowly towards the gateway opening on to the road, where a little basket-carriage was awaiting her. He accompanied her, and for a few seconds there was silence between them. Then they shook hands again before she got into the carriage, and she repeated her assurance—
“I am so glad to have met you, Mr. Santley!”