e, small
bearing on her practical content in the married state; so, at least,
Mrs. Waltham's experience led her to believe. Only, it was clear that
there must be no precipitancy. Let the ground be thoroughly prepared.

'May I advise you, Mr. Mutimer?' she said, in a lowered voice, bending
forward. 'Let me deliver the invitation. I think it would be better,
really. We shall see whether you can persuade Mr. Wyvern to be present.
I promise you to--in fact, not to interpose any obstacle if Adela thinks
she can be present at the lunch.'

'Then I'll leave it so,' said Richard, more cheerfully. Mrs. Waltham
could see that his nerves were in a dancing state. Really, he had much
fine feeling.

CHAPTER XI

It being only midday, Richard directed his steps at once to the
Vicarage, and had the good fortune to find Mr. Wyvern within.

'Be seated, Mr. Mutimer; I'm glad to see you,' was the vicar's
greeting.

Their mutual intercourse had as yet been limited to an exchange of
courtesies in public, and one or two casual meetings at the Walthams'
house. Richard had felt shy of the vicar, whom he perceived to be a
clergyman of other than the weak-brained type, and the circumstances
of the case would not allow Mr. Wyvern to make advances. The latter
proceeded with friendliness of tone, speaking of the progress of New
Wanley.

'That's what I've come to see you about,' said Richard, trying to put
himself at ease by mentally comparing his own worldly estate with that
of his interlocutor, yet failing as often as he felt the scrutiny of
the vicar's dark-gleaming eye. 'We are going to open the Hall.' He added
details. 'I shall have a number of friends who are interested in our
undertaking to lunch with me on that day. I wish to ask if you will give
us the pleasure of your company.'

Mr. Wyvern reflected for a moment.

'Why, no, sir,' he replied at length, using the Johnsonian phrase with
grave courtesy. 'I'm afraid I cannot acknowledge your kindness as
I should wish to. Personally, I would accept your hospitality with
pleasure, but my position here, as I understand it, forbids me to join
you on that particular occasion.'

'Then personally you are not hostile to me, Mr. Wyvern?'

'To you personally, by no means.'

'But you don't like the movement?'

'In so far as it has the good of men in view it interests me, and I
respect its supporters.'

'But you think we go the wrong way to work?'

'That is my opinion, Mr. Mutimer