The farmer was so pleased with his new acquaintance that when they reached the Park gate, he said very heartily,—­

’Now, mind you, sir, there’s a warm welcome, and a well-aired bed, and fine, white, home-spun linen at the farm.  The squire may give you a better dinner, may be, but not a hotter, I’ll answer for it; Gladys’ll see to that; she’s capital for that.  And mother ’ould be so glad to hear what the rector said about our Rowly.’

‘You may depend upon my coming,’ said the stranger.  ’What time does Mr Gwynne dine?  I suppose I shall escape his dinner hour?  It is now about five o’clock.’

’Oh! they don’t dine till Christian folks are going to bed—­seven or eight o’clock, or some such heathen hour.  You’ll be able to see them all before dinner; but I don’t believe Mr Gwynne’ll let you come away.’

‘I shall not see him probably.  Good day for the present.’

The stranger rode slowly up the drive from the lodge to the house, and Mr Prothero quickened his pace homeward.  The mare, nothing loath, trotted off hard and fast, and Gladys looked paler than ever.

When they reached the farm gate they were greeted by a loud shout from the ‘boys,’ Tom and Bill, who were right glad to see pretty Gladys back again.  They both ran as fast as they could to the house, to tell their mistress the good news, and Lion after them.  Mrs Prothero was at the door to receive the travellers, and as Gladys slipped off the mare, took her round the neck, and gave her a hearty kiss.

‘My dear David, I am so thankful! so much obliged!’ she said, as her more portly husband dismounted.  ’Come in quick; Miss Gwynne and Miss Hall are here.  They were just going, but they will be relieved of all their anxiety when they see Gladys.  Come in, Gladys, fach! don’t be afraid; they must see you.’

Poor Gladys was crying with all her heart—­good, comfortable, refreshing tears of joy at her mistress’s kind welcome.

Miss Gwynne appeared at the parlour door.

’Well, Gladys! you have had your long walk for nothing.  What a foolish girl you were to go away.  Mr Prothero, how do you do?  I am so glad you have brought us back Gladys.  We couldn’t do without her in these parts.’

‘Do you still stand to your text, Miss Gwynne?’ said Mr Prothero.  ’We may as well settle the matter at once.  It will be a great thing for the girl.’

’Oh, certainly; only she looks too tired to settle anything.  Gladys, I will give you a day or two to consider whether you will come and live with me, as my maid, or be Miss Hall’s pattern school-mistress.’

Gladys looked from Miss Gwynne to Miss Hall, and then from her master to her mistress, through the tears that were gathering faster and faster.  She answered in a voice half choked by them,—­

’Thank you, ma’am, thank you over and over and over again.  If I must go away—­if I must—­whichever—­you—­like—­I—­’ Here she finally gave way, and, sitting down on a chair, sobbed aloud.  Mrs Prothero went to her, and put her arm round her neck.  Miss Gwynne looked on compassionately, and Miss Hall turned to Mr Prothero.