d the
patroness of Skelmersdale; "but I confess I don't care much for
academical honours. He is an excellent clergyman, which is a great
deal more to the purpose, and I thoroughly agree with his views. So,
knowing the interest we take in Julia, you may think how pleased we
were," said Miss Leonora, looking full into her nephew's face. He knew
what she meant as distinctly as if she had put it in words.

"When is old Shirley going to die?" said Jack from the sofa. "It's
rather hard upon Frank, keeping him out of the living so long; and if
I were you, I'd be jealous of this model curate," said the fine
gentleman, with a slight civil yawn. "I don't approve of model curates
upon family livings. People are apt to make comparisons," said Jack,
and then he raised his head with a little energy--"Ah, there it is,"
said the Sybarite, "the first moth. Don't be precipitate, my dear
fellow. Aunt Dora, pray sit quietly where you are, and don't disturb
our operations. It is only a moth, to be sure; but don't let us cut
short the moments of a creature that has no hereafter," said Jack,
solemnly. He disturbed them all by this eccentric manifestation of
benevolence, and flapped his handkerchief round Miss Dora, upon whose
white cap the unlucky moth, frightened by its benefactor's vehemence,
was fluttering wildly. Jack even forgot himself so far as to swear
softly in French at the frightened insect as it flew wildly off at a
tangent, not to the open window, but to Miss Leonora's candles, where
it came to an immediate end. Miss Leonora sat rather grimly looking on
at all this byplay. When her elegant nephew threw himself back once
more upon his sofa, she glanced from him to his brother with a
comparison which perhaps was not so much to the disadvantage of the
Perpetual Curate. But even Miss Leonora, though so sensible, had her
weaknesses; and she was very evangelical, and could put up with a
great deal from the sinner who had placed himself for conversion in
her hands.

"We have too great a sense of our responsibility to treat Skelmersdale
simply as a family living," she said. "Besides, Frank of course is to
have Wentworth Rectory. Gerald's perversion is a great blow; but
still, if it _is_ to be, Frank will be provided for at least. As for
our parish--"

"I beg your pardon," said the Curate; "I have not the least intention
of leaving Carlingford. At the present moment neither Skelmersdale nor
Wentworth would tempt me. I am in no doubt a