"Don't apologize for your one redeeming weakness." "No, you have not hurt me," said Denham, in a low voice.

"I hope you have done me good." And without adding even a good-night or a message for Phebe, he lifted his hat and crossed over to the rectory.

His sister was not there as he entered her sitting-room, and throwing himself down on the sofa, clasped his hands over his forehead and stared thoughtfully up at the ceiling.

She had been sitting with Phebe while the Lane household went to its various churches, Phebe was tired, in consequence of the entire population of Joppa having run in to ask after her between services "on their way home," and she was not talking much.

But only to look up and smile into Soeur Angelique's sweet face was pleasure enough for the girl, and she lay very quietly, holding a rose that Denham had sent her over by his sister, and feeling supremely contented.
"How would you like me to read to you ?" asked Mrs.Whittridge at last, taking up a book.