Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/113

 "The air's all right, but it's just as good later. I've no patience with these people who think that nature isn't fit to be seen after eight in the morning. It's very narrow-minded, I think. It seems to me distinctly dreary at this hour."

"Early to bed and early to rise, you know."

"No wonder it's counted a virtue; it's disagreeable enough to be one!"

The Parson stopped. "Very well, we'll go back." He started to retrace his tracks.

"Oh, no, now we're started—"

He kept on. "Come along—back we go. I'd no idea my little pleasure-party would prove such a burden."

"It isn't—only you mustn't expect me to be good-natured at this hour. Wait, Parson!" she called after him, but he kept straight ahead. Mrs. Crompton hesitated one moment, and then gave chase. "Please wait!" she called, hurrying after.

There was a perceptible slowing up in The Parson's gait. "We'll get back for breakfast," he said cheerfully.