time! Yet what need of speech? Her very self, her every
action, her nice sense of right, were greater than any sermon he had
ever heard from mortal lips. She was a woman whom any man might well
love--and honor.

Reluctantly Mark at last sought the rectory, where the Bishop and
Monsignore awaited him. And almost desperately he sought to evade Ann,
whose dinner had been kept waiting. Seeing the attempt was vain, he
threw up his hands.

"Both hands up, Ann. I claim the protection of the Bishop."

And Ann, not displeased, went on her way.

CHAPTER XXIII

CHARRED WOOD

All Sihasset was in the little church next morning. Mrs. O'Leary,
grand even in her widow's weeds, had a front seat before St. Joseph's
altar, where she could see everything, and crowded into the pew with
her were all the little O'Leary's. The old lady had had some
misgivings about attending a wedding so soon after her husband's death;
but the misgivings were finally banished for--as she confided to the
eldest of her grandchildren--"Sure, 'tis Miss Ruth who is gettin'
married, and himself would want me there."

So Mrs. O'Leary arrived two hours ahead of time and secured her point
of vantage. Under more ordinary circumstances she would have had a
hard time to quiet the energetic youngsters, but now they had enough to
occupy their minds, for when had they seen such gorgeous flowers, such
wonderful ferns? The sanctuary was massed with them, the little altar
standing out in vivid relief against their greenness. And then there
was that wonderful strip of white canvas down the center aisle, that
white strip that was so tempting to little feet, but which must not be
stepped upon. And what were those kneeling benches for--the two draped
in white--one on each side of the open gateway, just inside the
communion railing? And over on the left was a platform bearing a great
chair, and over it hung a canopy--only the children didn't call it
so--of purple.

They had never seen the sanctuary look like this before! And then
their attention was attracted by the strains of the new organ,
hurriedly bought for the occasion. The choir from the city was
practising before the service. Truly, the little O'Learys were glad
that "Grandma" had ignored their cries and had insisted on coming
early. And what would Miss Wilson say at not being permitted to play
for the wedding? That thought alone was enough to keep the little
minds busy.

Outside, Main S