At least , this was what he honestly thought . He did not suspect that it was because this man was Lynde 's father that he wished to think as well as possible of him . Presently Lynde came in . She had changed her outdoor dress , stained with moss and soil in her fall , for a soft clinging garment of some pale yellow material , and her long , thick braid of hair hung over her shoulder . She sat mutely down in a dim corner and took no part in the conversation except to answer briefly the remarks which Alan addressed to her . Emily came in and lighted the lamp on the table . She was as grim and unsmiling as ever , yet she cast a look of satisfaction on Alan as she passed out . One dog lay down at Lynde 's feet , the other sat on his haunches by her side and laid his head on her lap . Rexton and its quiet round of parish duties seemed thousands of miles away from Alan , and he wondered a little if this were not all a dream . When he went away the Captain invited him back . `` If you like to come , that is , '' he said brusquely , `` and always as the man , not the priest , remember . I do n't want you by and by to be slyly slipping in the thin end of any professional wedges . You 'll waste your time if you do . Come as man to man and you 'll be welcome , for I like you -- and it 's few men I like . But do n't try to talk religion to me . '' `` I never talk religion , '' said Alan emphatically . `` I try to live it . I 'll not come to your house as a self-appointed missionary , sir , but I shall certainly act and speak at all times as my conscience and my reverence for my vocation demands . If I respect your beliefs , whatever they may be , I shall expect you to respect mine , Captain Oliver . '' `` Oh , I wo n't insult your God , '' said the Captain with a faint sneer .
Alan went home XXXXX a tumult of contending feelings .
At If as because by for in on that to