"'Tis early yet," he said coolly, "and I dare say not quite your dinner time,--which I beg that Mistress Deborah will not advance on my account.
Is it not your reverence's habit to rest within doors after your sermon?
Pray do not let me detain you.

I will go talk awhile with Audrey." He put up his watch and rose to his feet.

Darden cleared his throat.

"I have, indeed, a letter to write to Mr.Commissary, and it may be half an hour before Deborah has dinner ready.

I will send your servant to fetch you in." Haward broke the larkspur and gilliflowers, and Audrey gathered up her apron and filled it with the vivid blooms.