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If Baptisto's object in describing a dream so ominous was to attract his master's attention to the intimate relations between Mrs. Haldane and the clergyman, he certainly succeeded. Once assured in this direction, Haldane's perceptions were keen enough. He noticed that the mere mention of Santley's name filled Ellen with a sort of nervous constraint; that, although the clergyman's visits were frequent, they were generally made at times when Haldane himself was busy and preoccupied -- that is to say, during his well-known hours of work; and that, moreover, Santley, however much he liked the society of the lady, invariably avoided the husband, or, if they met, contrived to frame some excuse for speedy parting. Now, Haldane trusted his wife implicitly, and believed her incapable of any infidelity, even in thought. Still, he did not quite like the aspect of affairs. Much as he trusted his wife, he had a strong moral distrust for anything in the shape of a priest; and he determined, therefore, to keep his eyes upon the clergyman.
A few days after that curious physiological experiment, he had the following conversation with Baptisto. It was the first day of the week.