creasing dearness of butchers'
meat, and an extra penny lately added to the income-tax, it behoved
every one to see what wise and safe economy could be introduced into
their affairs. It is needless to say how naturally it suggested
itself to each that the church subscription was a retrenchment at once
practicable and endurable.

Any one who wishes to convince himself how dear to the Protestant heart
is the right of private judgment, has only to attend a vestry-meeting
of a church supported on the voluntary system. It is the very grandest
assertion of that great principle. There is not a man there represented
by ten francs annual subscription who has not very decided opinions of
the doctrine he requires for his money; and thus, while no one agreed
with his neighbor, all concurred in voting that they deemed the chaplain
had not fulfilled their expectations, and that they reserved their
right to contribute or not for the ensuing year, as future thought and
consideration should determine.

L'Estrange had gone into Rome to meet Augustus Bramleigh and Ellen, who
were coming to pass the Christmas with him, when Sir Marcus Cluff called
to announce this unpleasant resolution of the Church patrons.

"Perhaps I could see Miss L'Estrange?" said he to the servant, who had
said her master was from home.

Julia was seated working at the window as Sir Marcus entered the room.

"I hope I do not come at an unseemly hour; I scarcely know the time one
ought to visit here," he began, as he fumbled to untie the strings of
his respirator. "How nice and warm your room is; and a south aspect,
too. Ah! that's what my house fails in."

"I 'm so sorry my brother is not at home, Sir Marcus. He will regret
not meeting you."

"And I 'm sorry, too. I could have broken the bad news to him, perhaps,
better than--I mean--oh, dear! if I begin coughing, I shall never cease.
Would you mind my taking my drops? They are only aconite and lettuce;
and if I might ask for a little fresh water. I 'm so sorry to be
troublesome."

Though all anxiety to know to what bad news he referred, she hastened to
order the glass of water he desired, and calmly resumed her seat.

"It 's spasmodic,--this cough. I don't know if that be any advantage,
or the reverse; but the doctor says 'only spasmodic,' which would lead
one to suppose it might be worse. Would you do me the great favor to
drop thirty-five--be sure only thirty-five--of these? I hope your hand
does not sh