The impulse had been given, and her conscience aroused; the harder struggle of coming back to the daily life of others she must meet alone.

And she met it bravely.

Little by little she tried to see the interests and small concerns of people about her, and very gradually the heavy atmosphere of the rectory began to lighten.

Dr.Howe scarcely knew how it was that there was a whist party in his library one Friday evening; rather a silent one, with a few sighs from the Misses Woodhouse and a suspicious dimness in Mr.Dale's eyes.

The rector somehow slipped into the vacant chair; he said he thought he was so old whist would not hurt him, if they were willing to teach him.