But on the next occasion of their meeting, he took good care to keep the advantage he had gained.  Conscious of his own honest and generous intentions, Grimbal went on his way.  The subtler manifestations of Phoebe’s real attitude towards him escaped his observation; her reluctance he set down as resulting from the dying shadow of affection for Will Blanchard.  That she would be very happy and proud and prosperous in the position of his wife, the lover was absolutely assured.  He pursued her with the greater determination, in that he believed he was saving her from herself.  What were some few months of vague uncertainty and girlish tears compared with a lifetime of prosperity and solid happiness?  John Grimbal made Phoebe handsome presents of pretty and costly things after the first great victory.  He pushed his advantage with tremendous vigour.  His great face seemed reflected in Phoebe’s eyes when she slept as when she woke; his voice was never out of her ears.  Weary, hopeless, worn out, she prayed sometimes for strength of purpose.  But it was a trait denied to her character and not to be bestowed at a breath.  Her stability of defence, even as it stood, was remarkable and beyond expectation.  Then the sure climax rolled in upon poor Phoebe.  Twice she sought Clement Hicks with purpose to send an urgent message; on each occasion accident prevented a meeting; her father was always smiling and droning his desires into her ear; John Grimbal haunted her.  His good-nature and kindness were hard to bear; his patience made her frantic.  So the investment drew to its conclusion and the barriers crumbled, for the forces besieged were too weak and worn to restore them; while a last circumstance brought victory to the stronger and proclaimed the final overthrow.

This culmination resulted from a visit to the spiritual head of Phoebe’s dwelling-place.  The Rev. James Shorto-Champernowne, Vicar of Chagford, made an appointment to discuss the position with Mr. Lyddon and his daughter.  A sportsman of the old type, and a cleric of rare reputation for good sense and fairness to high and low, was Mr. Shorto-Champernowne, but it happened that his more tender emotions had been buried with a young wife these forty years, and children he had none.  Nevertheless, taking the standpoint of parental discipline, he held Phoebe’s alleged engagement a vain thing, not to be considered seriously.  Moreover, he knew of Will’s lapses in the past; and that was fatal.

“My child, have little doubt that both religion and duty point in one direction and with no faltering hands,” he said, in his stately way.  “Communicate with the young man, inform him that conversation with myself has taken place; then he can hardly maintain an attitude of doubt, either to the exalted convictions that have led to your decision, or to the propriety of it.  And, further, do not omit an opportunity of well-doing, but conclude your letter with a word of counsel.  Pray him to seek a Guide to his future