"He's quite changed, somehow; just now he's rather silent. He says he will stay in London to buy all sorts of things for the wild places in Somaliland he means to go to."
"He might stay for the wedding to please you," said Toney thoughtfully; "I never knew he liked lions before."
"And mother and Aunt Honoria are both a little offended. Jeanie doesn't mind, because she doesn't heed anything now. Frank writes every day. Last night the letter didn't come, and she was so miserable." Maud laughed happily.
"Mr. Waycott won't write every day, will he?"
"Lewis! I should think not! He hates writing letters, so I told him we shouldn't worry if he promised to write when he is ill."
Toney spun the wheel round and flew off. She wanted to go fast, very fast, so as not to think too much. Evidently Lewis and Maud had perfect trust in each other! Yes, that was fine!
She found that Mr. Hales was visiting some cottages at the other end of his parish, so she sent Jim to Wynchley for some purchases and walked on alone, fast, very fast. She felt in a mighty hurry to-day. At the edge of a fir wood she saw the Vicar coming out of a cottage.
"So glad to see you," she exclaimed; "may I stop you a minute?"
"Of course, Toney, as many minutes as you like." His voice was kind and soft, and Toney felt comforted. Anyhow, Mr. Hales could not go hunting lions.
"It's all right about Thursday, isn't it? Special licence is all right. Mr. Weston's seen to it. Vastly convenient if one is in a hurry."
"You like things done quickly!" said Mr. Hales smiling.
"They want no fuss and no one in church, but I begged for my poor friends. They love a wedding, I'll send my motor to bring the pair at nine o'clock. You'll fix it up sharp, and they will go back to a real breakfast and off by twelve. I've ordered flowers and music."
"You think of everything, as usual," said the Vicar musingly. "Toney, have you ever thought of your own future?"
"Of course! The Stone House will take all my time and mind!"
"But have you ever thought of--wider work for the Church, or of helping another with your love and energy?"
Toney opened her eyes. Mr. Hales looked so odd.
"It's no use thinking, Mr. Hales; I've been walking like mad to stop my thinking to-day."