an English parish."

"Mothers' Meetings, and the rest," I suggested.

"Exactly so, Arbuthnot. Also there were the views of the Bishop to be
considered, who might have objected to the introduction into the diocese
of a striking person who so recently had been a heathen, and to one in
such strong contrast to my late beloved wife."

"I suppose you didn't consider the late Mrs. Bastin's views on the
subject of re-marriage. I remember that they were strong," I remarked
rather maliciously.

"No, I did not think it necessary, since the Scriptural instructions on
the matter are very clear, and in another world no doubt all jealousies,
even Sarah's, will be obliterated. Upon that point my conscience was
quite easy. So when I found that, unlike her parent, the Lady Yva was
much inclined to accept the principles of the faith in which it is my
privilege to instruct her, I thought it proper to say to her that if
ultimately she made up her mind to do so--of course this was a sine qua
non--I should be much honoured, and as a man, not as a priest, it
would make me most happy if she would take me as a husband. Of course
I explained to her that I considered, under the circumstances, I could
quite lawfully perform the marriage ceremony myself with you and Bickley
as witnesses, even should Oro refuse to give her away. Also I told
her that although after her varied experiences in the past, life at
Fulcombe, if we could ever get there, might be a little monotonous,
still it would not be entirely devoid of interest."

"You mean Christmas decorations and that sort of thing?"

"Yes, and choir treats and entertaining Deputations and attending other
Church activities."

"Well, and what did she say, Bastin?"

"Oh! she was most kind and flattering. Indeed that hour will always
remain the pleasantest of my life. I don't know how it happened, but
when it was over I felt quite delighted that she had refused me. Indeed
on second thoughts, I am not certain but that I shall be much happier in
the capacities of a brother and teacher which she asked me to fill, than
I should have been as her husband. To tell you the truth, Arbuthnot,
there are moments when I am not sure whether I entirely understand the
Lady Yva. It was rather like proposing to one's guardian angel."

"Yes," I said, "that's about it, old fellow. 'Guardian Angel' is not a
bad name for her."

Afterwards I received the confidence of Bickley.

"Look here, Arbuthnot," he said. "I w