Mr. Larkin explained the constitutional respect for the Sabbath.

'It would be better, Sir--the publicity of an arrest' (it was a hard word
to utter) 'in the town would be very painful--it would be better I think,
that I should walk over to the prison--it is only six miles--and see the
authorities there, and give myself up.'

And his lip quivered; he was thinking of the leave-taking--of poor Dolly
and little Fairy.

'I've a great objection to speak of business to-day,' said Mr. Larkin,
holily; 'but I may mention that Burlington and Smith have written very
sternly; and the fact is, my dear Sir, we must look the thing straight in
the face; they are determined to go through with it; and you know my
opinion all along about the fallacy--you _must_ excuse me, seeing all the
trouble it has involved you in--the infatuation of hesitating about the
sale of that miserable reversion, which they could have disposed of on
fair terms. In fact, Sir, they look upon it that you don't want to pay
them and of course, they are very angry.'

'I'm sure I was wrong. I'm such a fool!'

'I must only go to the Sheriff the first thing the morning and beg of him
to hold over that thing, you know, until I have heard from Burlington and
Smith; and I suppose I may say to them that you see the necessity of
disposing of the reversion, and agree to sell it if it be not too late.'

The vicar assented; indeed, he had grown, under this urgent pressure, as
nervously anxious to sell as he had been to retain it.