The schoolmistress stared at him for a moment in amazement.
“One of Mr. Santley’s curates!” she said. “Why, my dear sir, that is our vicar himself!”
CHAPTER XX. IN THE GLOAMING.
I t was now Walters turn to look amazed.
“That Mr. Santley!” he said. “Why, he is quite a young man!”
“Of course he is—and handsome as good, and good as handsome. But won’t you come in, Mr. Hetherington, and have some refreshment? It is two hours quite since you opened out your sketch-book at the gate!”
This time Walter accepted her invitation, and followed her into the quaint little parlour, where most of her days were spent. The little maid who attended to the house had got a holiday with the children, and Dora was left to attend to herself that day. Walter was glad of it, since he was left free to sit by the window and follow the train of his thoughts, while Dora busied herself spreading the snowy cloth upon the table, and setting forth her simple fare. When it was ready, he came to the table and ate some strawberries and drank some milk, thinking all the while of Mr. Santley. Presently he spoke of him.
“You have known Mr. Santley some time, Miss Greatheart?” he said.