There was a pleasing mystery in the affair, to the mind of Miss Dodd.
Gilbert Fenton went at once to the Rectory, although it was now past seven o'clock.

He had met Mr.and Mrs.Marchant several times, and had visited them with the Listers.
The Rector was at home, sitting over his solitary glass of port by the open window of his snug dining-room, looking lazily out at a group of sons and daughters playing croquet on the lawn.

He was surprised to see Mr.Fenton, but welcomed him with much cordiality.
"I have come to you full of care, Mr.Marchant," Gilbert began; "and the pressing nature of my business must excuse the lateness of my visit." "There is no occasion for any excuse.

I am very glad to see you at this time.

Pray help yourself to some wine, there are clean glasses near you; and take some of those strawberries, on which my wife prides herself amazingly.