The gate of Mrs. Edlin's cottage clicked, and somebody began crossing in the direction of the school. Phillotson said `Good-night.'

`Oh, is that Mr. Phillotson,' said Mrs. Edlin. `I was going over to see 'ee. I've been upstairs with her, helping her to unpack her things; and upon my word, sir, I don't think this ought to be!'

`What - the wedding?'

`Yes. She's forcing herself to it, poor dear little thing; and you've no notion what she's suffering. I was never much for religion nor against it, but it can't be right to let her do this, and you ought to persuade her out of it. Of course everybody will say it was very good and forgiving of 'ee to take her to 'ee again. But for my part I don't.'

`It's her wish, and I am willing,' said Phillotson with grave reserve, opposition making him illogically tenacious now. `A great piece of laxity will be rectified.'

`I don't believe it. She's his wife if anybody's. She's had three children by him, and he loves her dearly; and it's a wicked shame to egg her on to this, poor little quivering thing! She's got nobody on her side. The one man who'd be her friend the obstinate creature won't allow to come near her. What first put her into this mood o' mind, I wonder!'

`I can't tell. Not I certainly. It is all voluntary on her part. Now that's all I have to say.' Phillotson spoke stiffly. `You've turned round, Mrs. Edlin. It is unseemly of you!'

`Well. I knowed you'd be affronted at what I had to say; but I don't mind that. The truth's the truth.'

`I'm not affronted, Mrs. Edlin. You've been too kind a neighbour for that. But I must be allowed to know what's best for myself and Susanna. I suppose you won't go to church with us, then?'

`No. Be hanged if I can.... I don't know what the times be coming to! Matrimony have growed to be that serious in these days that one really do feel afeard to move in it at all. In my time we took it more careless; and I don't know that we was any the worse for it! When I and my poor man were jined in it we kept up the junketing all the week, and drunk the parish dry, and had to borrow half a crown to begin housekeeping!'

When Mrs. Edlin had gone back to her cottage Phillotson spoke moodily. `I don't know whether I ought to do it - at any rate quite so rapidly.'

`Why?'

`If she is really compelling herself to this against her instincts - merely from this new sense of duty or religion - I ought perhaps to let her wait a bit.'

`Now you've got so far you ought not to back out of it. That's my opinion.'

`I can't very well put it off now; that's true. But I had a qualm when she gave that little cry at sight of the licence.'

`Now, never you have qualms, old boy. I mean to give her away to-morrow morning, and you mean to take her. It has always been on my conscience that I didn't urge more objections to your letting her go, and now we've got to this stage I shan't be content if I don't help you to set the matter right.'

Phillotson nodded, and seeing how staunch his friend was, became more frank. `No doubt when it gets known what I've done I shall be thought a soft fool by many. But they don't know Sue as I do. Though so elusive, hers is such an honest nature at bottom that I don't think she has ever done anything against