"I am glad to see your school-fellows love you," he said, as we
drove off, and Redmayne House became lost to sight. "Human affection
is a great boon, Esther."

Dear Uncle Geoffrey! he wanted to comfort me; but for some time I
would not speak or listen.




CHAPTER II.

THE ARRIVAL AT COMBE MANOR.


The great secret of Uncle Geoffrey's influence with people was a
certain quiet undemonstrative sympathy. He did not talk much; he was
rather given to letting people alone, but his kindliness of look made
his few spoken words more precious than the voluble condolences of
others.

He made no effort to check the torrent of tears that followed my
first stunned feelings; indeed, his "Poor child!" so tenderly
uttered, only made them flow more quickly. It was not until we were
seated in the railway compartment, and I had dried them of my own
accord, that he attempted to rouse me by entering into conversation,
and yet there was much that he knew must be said, only "great haste,
small speed," was always Uncle Geoffrey's favorite motto. "There is
time for all things, and much more," as he used to tell us.