Looking up as I drew near--"You have a question to ask of me?" he said.

     "Yes; I wish to know whether you have heard of any service I can offer myself to undertake?"

     "I found or devised something for you three weeks ago; but as you seemed both useful and happy here--as my sisters had evidently become attached to you, and your society gave them unusual pleasure--I deemed it inexpedient to break in on your mutual comfort till their approaching departure from Marsh End should render yours necessary."

     "And they will go in three days now?" I said.

     "Yes; and when they go, I shall return to the parsonage at Morton: Hannah will accompany me; and this old house will be shut up."

     I waited a few moments, expecting he would go on with the subject first broached: but he seemed to have entered another train of reflection: his look denoted abstraction from me and my business. I was obliged to recall him to a theme which was of necessity one of close and anxious interest to me.

     "What is the employment you had in view, Mr. Rivers? I hope this delay will not have increased the difficulty of securing it."