«
    There was a pause, in which Fred was seized by a most uncomfortable chill.
What was coming next? He dreaded to hear that something had been said to Mary -
he felt as if he were listening to a threat rather than a warning. When the
Vicar began again there was a change in his tone like the encouraging transition
to a major key.
    »But I had once meant better than that, and I am come back to my old
intention. I thought that I could hardly secure myself in it better, Fred, than
by telling you just what had gone on in me. And now, do you understand me? I
want you to make the happiness of her life and your own, and if there is any
chance that a word of warning from me may turn aside any risk to the contrary -
well, I have uttered it.«
    There was a drop in the Vicar's voice when he spoke the last words. He
paused - they were standing on a patch of green where the road diverged towards
St Botolph's, and he put out his hand, as if to imply that the conversation was
closed. Fred was moved quite newly. Some one highly susceptible to the
contemplation of a fine act has said, that it produces a sort of regenerating
shudder through the frame, and makes one feel ready to begin a new life. A good
degree of that effect was just then present in Fred Vincy.
    »I will try to be worthy,« he said, breaking off before he could say »of you
as well as of her.« And meanwhile Mr. Farebrother had gathered the impulse to
say something more.
    »You must not imagine that I believe there is at present any decline in her
preference of you, Fred. Set your heart at rest, that if you keep right, other
things will keep right.«
    »I shall never forget what you have done,« Fred answered. »I can't say
anything that seems worth saying - only I will try that your goodness shall not
be thrown away.«
    »That's enough. Good-bye, and God bless you.«
    In that way they parted. But both of them walked about a long while before
they went out of the starlight. Much of Fred's rumination might be summed up in
the words, »It certainly would have been a fine thing for her to marry
Farebrother - but if she loves me best and I am a good husband?«
    Perhaps Mr. Farebrother's might be concentrated into a single shrug and one
