This little outburst on the part of
Hie stolid, undemonstrative rustics
was so unexpected, and so strong a
proof of the feeling with which his in
nocence was regarded by some of ids
old friends, though not, as In' wellj
knew, by all, that it almost overpow
ered him, and he was glad to take;
refuge within tin* rectory gate, (in
turning to shut it. in* saw Ids friends!
still standing in tin* afternoon sunlight,
with their lulls off till he should have!
vanlshisl from their sight, and he
again removed his own.
lie sal with Mr. Maitland and Lilian
under the thick-leaved lime-tree, silent
and happy, watching the shadows turn
soft and slant, and the swallows dart I
across llu> sunny blue, while the father j
and daughter told him many things|
that had come to pass in his absence,
and tea was brought out; and. finally
Mr. Maitland sunk into the peaceful
slumber which usually followed his
Sunday labors. Then Lilian took the
cat in tier arms, and walked toward
the Held to visit her Invalid animals.
