f his annoyance in the
pleasurable consciousness that his words created a profound
sensation--"a letter in which his lordship offers to bear in the first
place the cost of the repairs of the north transept, and afterwards to
make good any deficiency in the funds required for the restoration of
the rest of the fabric. Of course, I am very loth to question any
action taken by a member of the Upper House, but at the same time I am
compelled to characterise the proceeding as most irregular. That such a
communication should be made to a mere clerk of the works, instead of to
the Rector and duly appointed guardian of the sacred edifice, is so
grave a breach of propriety that I am tempted to veto the matter
entirely, and to refuse to accept this offer."

His face wore a look of sublime dignity, and he addressed his wife as if
she were a public meeting. _Ruat coelum_, Canon Parkyn was not to be
moved a hair's-breadth from the line traced by propriety and rectitude.
He knew in his inmost heart that under no possible circumstances would
he have refused any gift that was offered him, yet his own words had
about them so heroic a ring that for a moment he saw himself dashing
Lord Blandamer's money on the floor, as early Christians had flung to
the wind that pinch of incense that would have saved them from the
lions.

"I think I _must_ refuse this offer," he repeated.

Mrs Parkyn knew her husband intimately--more intimately, perhaps, than
he knew himself--and had an additional guarantee that the discussion was
merely academic in the certainty that, even were he really purposed to
refuse the offer, she would not _allow_ him to do so. Yet she played
the game, and feigned to take him seriously.

"I quite appreciate your scruples, my dear; they are just what anyone
who knew you would expect. It is a positive affront that you should be
told of such a proposal by this impertinent young man; and Lord
Blandamer has so strange a reputation himself that one scarcely knows
how far it is right to accept anything from him for sacred purposes. I
honour your reluctance. Perhaps it _would_ be right for you to decline
this proposal, or, at any rate, to take time for consideration."

The Rector looked furtively at his wife. He was a little alarmed at her
taking him so readily at his word. He had hoped that she would be
dismayed--that she could have brought proper arguments to bear to shake
his high resolve.

"Ah, your words have unwitt