That life of worry and baby squabbles, the reflection of his own faults, was hard to bear; and with a feeling of seeking a refuge, when the two little ones had fallen into their noonday sleep, and were left with their mother to the care of good Miss Mercy, he set out for some parish work at Ormersfield, still taking with him little Kitty, whose quicksilver nature would never relieve her elders by a siesta.

He was afraid to speak to Isabel until he should have composed himself, and, harassed and weary in spirits and in frame, he walked slowly, very sore at the domestic discovery, and scarcely feeling the diminution of the immediate pressure in the new sense of degradation.  He could own that it was merited, and was arguing with himself that patience and gratitude were the needful proofs that the evil temper had been expelled.  He called back his thankfulness for his wife’s safety, his children’s health, the constancy of his kind friends, and the undeserved ardour of his young sister’s affection, as well as poor little Charlotte’s unselfishness.  The hard exasperated feeling that once envenomed every favour, and barbed every dart that wounded him, was gone; he could own the loving kindness bestowed on him, both from Heaven and by man, and began to find peace and repose in culling the low fragrant blossoms which cheered even the Valley of Humiliation.

He turned down the shady lane, overhung by the beech-trees of Mr. Calcott’s park, and as he lifted Kitty in his arms to allow her the robin-redbreast, he did not feel out of tune with the bird’s sweet autumnal notes, nor with the child’s merry little voice, but each refreshed his worn and contrite spirit.

The sound of hoofs approaching made him turn his head; and while Kitty announced ‘horse!’ and ‘man!’ he recognised Mr. Calcott, and felt abashed, and willing to find a retreat from the meeting; but there was no avoiding it, and he expected, as usual, to be passed with a bow; but the Squire slackened his pace as he overtook him, and called out, good-humouredly, ‘Ha, Mr. Frost, good morning’ (once it would have been Jem).  ’I always know you by the little lady on your shoulder.  I was intending to call on you this afternoon on a little business; but if you will step up to the house with me, I shall be much obliged.’

James’s heart beat thick with undefined hope; but, after all, it might be only to witness some paper.  After what had occurred, and Mrs. Calcott considering herself affronted by Isabel, bare civility was forgiveness; and he walked up the drive with the Squire, who had dismounted, and was inquiring with cordial kindness for Mrs. Frost, yet with a little awkwardness, as if uncertain on what terms they stood, more as if he himself were to blame than the young clergyman.