186 WYLDER'S HAJVD.
question with kisses and lamentations, the parson answered
with a look of great perplexity, and only half-recalled
said, "Indeed, little man, I don't know. How long, you
say, was Jack's sword? Well, I dare say it was as long
as the umbrella." He got up, with the same perplexed and
absent look, as he said this, and threw an anxious glance,
about the room, as if looking for something he had mis-
laid.
"Are you looking for anything, Willie, darling?
Your keys are in my basket."
"No, darling; no, darling— nothing. I have every-
thing I want. I think I must go to the Lodge and see
Mr. Larkin, for a moment."
"Have you heard anything of Mark, darling?" she
enquired eagerly.
"Of Mark? Oh, no! — nothing of Mark." And he
added with a deep sigh, "Oh, dear! I wonder he does not
write — no, nothing of Mark."
She followed him into the hall.
"Now, Willie darling, you must not go till you have
had your breakfast — you will make yourself ill — indeed
you will — do come back, just to please me, and eat a
little first."
"No, darling; no, my love — I can't indeed. I'll be
back immediately; but I must catch Mr. Larkin before
he goes out. It is only a little matter — I want to ask
his opinion — and — oh! here is my stick — and I'll re-
turn immediately."
So, spite of remonstrances, with a hurried kiss or two,
away he went alone, at a very quick pace, through the
high street of Gylingden, and was soon in the audience
chamber of the serious, gentleman attorney.
The attorney rose with a gaunt and sad smile of wel-
come — and begged Mr. Wylder, with a wave of his long
hand, to be seated.