he stipend is L300 a year, and I am told that there is a
good house. Of course, it's not very much, but better than nothing.
This morning Mr. Dryland called and asked for a private interview
with Mary. He said he must, of course, leave Little Primpton, and
his vicarage would sadly want a mistress; and finally, for the
third time, _begged_ her on his _bended knees_ to marry her. He had
previously been to the Parsons, and the Colonel sent for Mary, and
told her that he hoped she would not refuse Mr. Dryland for their
sake, and that they thought it was her duty to marry. The result is
that Mary accepted him, and is to be married very quietly by
special license in a month. The widow of the late incumbent of
Stone Fairley moves out in six weeks, so this will give them time
for a fortnight's honeymoon before settling down. They think of
spending it in Paris.

"I think, on the whole, it is as good a match as poor Mary could
_expect to make_. The stipend is paid by the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners, which, of course, is much safer than glebe. She is
no longer a young girl, and I think it was her last chance.
Although she is my own daughter, I cannot help confessing that she
is not the sort of girl that wears well; she has always been
_plain_--(no one would think she was my daughter)--and as time goes
on, she will grow _plainer_. When I was eighteen my mother's maid
used to say: 'Why, miss, there's many a married woman of thirty who
would be proud to have your bust.' But our poor, _dear_ Mary has
_no figure_. She will do excellently for the wife of a country
vicar. She's so fond of giving people advice, and of looking after
the poor, and it won't matter that she's dowdy. She has no idea of
dressing herself, although I've always done my best for her.

"Mr. Dryland is, of course, in the seventh heaven of delight. He
has gone into Tunbridge Wells to get a ring, and as an engagement
present has just sent round a complete edition of the works of Mr.
Hall Caine. He is evidently _generous_. I think they will suit one
another very well, and I am glad to get my only daughter married.
She was always rather a tie on Reginald and me. We are so devoted
to one another that a third person has often seemed a little in the
way. Although you would not believe it, and we have