Truth is truth; and so I answer, in a low voice: "No, father said I was to." "And you look upon it as a great penance ?" he says, still with that half-disappointed accent.
"To be sure I do," reply I, briskly.

"So does Barbara.

Ask her if she does not.

So would you, if you were I." "And why ?" "Hush!" say I, hearing a certain heavy, well-known, slow footfall.

"He is coming! I will tell you by-and-by--when we are by ourselves." After all, how convenient an elderly man is! I could not have said that to any of the young squires! His blue eyes are smiling in the fire-light, as, leaning one strong shoulder against the mantel-piece, he turns to face me more fully.
"And when are we likely to be by ourselves ?" "Oh, I do not know," reply I, indifferently.