Out of her sphere - University Library

42 OUT OF HER SPHERE.
that the sea and the Fort might have left.
There was still the smell of salt water, but
the Rector was so careless of his clothes,
and so often exposed to the spray, and the
incoming tide, that there was always that
about his garments ;
and at last, when day-
light was breaking, Clare carried them
softly upstairs, placed them by the sleeper's
side, without disturbing him, and then lay
down for an hour or two on her own bed,
to get what rest she might.
When she came down in the morning,
Deb asked her what time the missus had
come home—and opened her round eyes
wide at hearing she had not made her ap-
pearance. Presently she offered a solution
of her conduct.
" I reckon the marster an'
she ha' had a quarrel—he's a good man,
but he's tryin'— perhaps she's gone to her
friends."
" I never heard of her having any," said
Clare, " but it may be." Then she wondered