e seemed to have grown like a Buddhist into his tree. She was
reluctant, would think it over, etc. But Dick, after one glance at her
strained face, was obdurate. He would hear no reason. He would not go
away. She and Fraeulein nervously cast a few clothes into a box, Fraeulein
so excited by the apparition of a young man, and a possible love affair,
that she could hardly fold Hester's tea-gowns.

When Hester came down with her hat on she found Dick untiring Mr.
Gresley's bicycle in the most friendly manner, while the outraged owner
stood by remonstrating.

"I assure you, Dick, I don't wish it to be touched. I know my own
machine. If it were a common puncture I could mend it myself, but I
don't want the whole thing ruined by an ignorant person. I shall take it
in to Southminster on the first opportunity."

"No need to do that," said Dick, cheerfully. "Might as well go to a
doctor to have your nails cut. Do it at home. You don't believe in the
water test? Oh! that's rot. You'll believe in it when you see it. You're
learning it now. There! Now I've got it in the pail; see all these
blooming little bubbles jostling up in a row. There's a leak at the
valve. No, there isn't. It's only unscrewed. Good Lord, James! it's only
unscrewed; and you thought the whole machine was out of order. There,
now, I've screwed it up. Devil a bubble! What's that you're saying about
swearing in your presence? Oh! don't apologize! You can't help being a
clergyman. Look for yourself. You will never learn if you look the other
way just when a good-natured chap is showing you. I would have put the
tire on again, but as you say you can do it better yourself, I won't.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Hester. And look here, James, you ought to
bicycle more. Strengthen your legs for playing the harmonium on Sundays.
Well, I could not tell you had an organ in that little one-horse church.
Good-bye, Fraeulein; good-bye, James. Home, Coleman. And look here," said
Dick, putting his mischievous face out of the window as the carriage
turned, "if you are getting up steam for another temperance meeting, I'm
your man."

"Good-bye, dear James," interrupted Hester, hastily, and the carriage
drove away.

"He looks pasty," said Dick, after an interval. "A chap like James has
no power in his arms and legs. He can kneel down in church, and put his
arm round Mrs. Gresley's waist, but that's about all he's up to. He
doesn't take enough exercise."

"He is not well. I don