I have not lived in a
walking country, you know.'
'True,' says Mr. Crisparkle. 'Get into a little training, and we
will have a few score miles together. I should leave you nowhere
now. Do you come back before dinner?'
'I think not, as we dine early.'
Mr. Crisparkle gives him a bright nod and a cheerful good-bye;
expressing (not without intention) absolute confidence and ease
Neville repairs to the Nuns' House, and requests that Miss Landless
may be informed that her brother is there, by appointment. He
waits at the gate, not even crossing the threshold; for he is on
his parole not to put himself in Rosa's way.
His sister is at least as mindful of the obligation they have taken
on themselves as he can be, and loses not a moment in joining him.
They meet affectionately, avoid lingering there, and walk towards
the upper inland country.
'I am not going to tread upon forbidden ground, Helena,' says
Neville, when they have walked some distance and are turning; 'you
will understand in another moment that I cannot help referring to -
what shall I say? - my infatuation.'
'Had you not better avoid it, Neville? You know that I can hear
nothing.'
'You can hear, my dear, what Mr. Crisparkle has heard, and heard
with approval.'
'Yes; I can hear so much.'
'Well, it is this. I am not only unsettled and unhappy myself, but
I am conscious of unsettling and interfering with other people.
How do I know that, but for my unfortunate presence, you, and - and
- the rest of that former party, our engaging guardian excepted,
might be dining cheerfully in Minor Canon Corner to-morrow? Indeed
it probably would be so.
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