t of her love.
She wanted to be friends with all at home, to go to them fearlessly
and make them understand her as she understood them, and to be good
all the days of her life. "True repentance"? Why repent? . . .
Ah, yes, of course: but God was no haggler over hours. In an hour or
two . . . "That those things may please him which we do at this
present--" She caught at her heart now as the terror--a practical
terror this time--returned upon it. At all costs she must find John
Romley after service, though indeed there was little danger of
missing him, for he, no doubt, would be seeking her.

Her mind was clear now.

She lay in wait for him as he stepped out under the great porch, with
a clean surplice on his arm. He paused there with a smile on his
face, glanced up at the blue sky, clapped on his hat, and descended
the steps gaily, whistling a phrase from the _Venite exultemus_; too
far preoccupied to recognise Hetty, until she stepped forward and
almost laid a hand on his arm.

"Miss Mehetabel!"

Plainly, then, he was not seeking her.

"You in Lincoln? This is a surprise--a pleasant surprise, indeed!"

"But I came in search of you. I have been waiting--" She nodded her
head towards the porch.

"Eh? You heard? 'Twas not altogether a breakdown, I hope? You must
allow for some nervousness--did you detect it? No? Well, I don't
mind owning to you I was nervous as a cat: but there, if you didn't
detect it I shall flatter myself I did passably." He laughed,
evidently on the best terms with himself. His breath smelt of beer.
"The Rector is with you, of course?"

"My father? But, Mr. Romley, I don't think you understand--"

"I shall do myself the pleasure of calling on him this morning.
Nothing could have happened better, and I'm in luck's way to-day, for
certain. It seems the Dean and Chapter require a certificate from
him--a testimonial--just a line or two, to say that I'm a decent
respectable fellow. We have not been friends of late--I hope Miss
Patty keeps pretty well, by the way--but he won't deny me that small
favour. You were not seeking me on her account?" he added, by an
afterthought. "Patty?" She uttered her sister's name to gain time,
for in truth she was bewildered, alarmed.

He nodded. "We are not allowed to correspond, as you know. But she
must keep up her heart: your father will come round when he sees me
precentor. 'Tis a good opening. We must allow for the Rector's
crotche