"He does not know all, then?"
"He? No! And you see he did not overhear more than what he says. I'm sure you're a gentleman, and won't go agin your word."
"My word was conditional; but I will promise you never to break the silence without more reason than I think there is here for it. Indeed, Mr. Richard Avenel seems to save all necessity for that."
"Are you coming, sir?" cried Richard, as he opened the street door.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Parson joined Mr. Richard Avenel on the road. It was a fine night, and the moon clear and shining.
"So, then," said Mr. Richard, thoughtfully, "poor Jane, who was always the drudge of the family, has contrived to bring up her son well; and the boy is really what you say, eh?—could make a figure at college?"
"I am sure of it," said the Parson, hooking himself on to the arm which Mr Avenel proffered.
"I should like to see him," said Richard. "Has he any manner? Is he genteel, or a mere country lout?"
"Indeed, he speaks with so much propriety, and has so much modest dignity, I might say, about him, that there's many a rich gentleman who would be proud of such a son."