for congratulations."

"Congratulations on having received a present? And who gave it to my
Persian?" asked the rector, absently.

"Who gave it to me? It's my engagement ring. Harry and I settled
everything last night."

"Harry?"

"I'm going to marry Harry Bent. You surely must have expected it. That's
why you are not to talk about anything unpleasant or ugly to-day. If you
do, it'll make me wretched, and I don't want to be wretched. I'm going
to have a lovely time for always and always."

"God grant it," murmured the rector, with fervor; "but don't forget that
life has its responsibilities and its dull patches; don't expect too
much, my little girl. The rosy dawn doesn't always maintain its promise.
But we mustn't begin the Sunday sermon to-day, eh, Persian? And now, run
away, for I must be quiet to think over what you have told me. It's a
surprise, dear child, but, if it means your happiness, it's a glad
surprise. By-the-bye, you're quite sure you're in love, little girl?"

"Silly old daddy, of course I am. He's an awfully good boy, and, when his
uncle dies, he'll be immensely rich. It's a splendid match, and you ought
to be very pleased about it. Ah, here's mother!" she cried, scrambling to
her feet as Mrs. Swinton, dressed for driving in a perfect costume of
blue, entered the study. "Now, you can both talk about it instead of your
horrid money," and, throwing a kiss lightly to her father, she tripped
out of the room.

"You don't look well, Mary," exclaimed the rector anxiously, as his wife
sank down into a chair by the fire. "Another headache?" He rested his
hand lovingly on her shoulder. "You are overdoing it, dearest. You must
slow down and live the normal, dull life of a clergyman's wife."

"Don't, Jack, don't! I'm frightfully worried. What was it you and Netty
were talking about?"

"Ah, what indeed! The child tells me she is engaged to Harry Bent, and
that you know all about it."

"Yes. I've seen that he wanted her for months past; and she likes him,
after a fashion. She'll never marry for love--never love anybody better
than herself, I fear; and, since he's quite willing to give more than he
receives, I see nothing against their engagement, except--except our
dreadful financial position."

Mrs. Swinton spoke wearily. "We will discuss Netty later," she continued,
"for I have something of the utmost importance to talk over with you. I
must have a thousand dollars by Friday, and, if you haven't sent