eith admitted his undeniable good looks and knew of his wealth; but he
was so confounded by the information he had received that he was in
quite a state of confusion.

Just then a young clergyman crossed the room toward them. He was a stout
young man, with reddish hair and a reddish face. His plump cheeks, no
less than his well-filled waistcoat, showed that the Rev. Mr. Rimmon
was no anchoret.

"Ah, my dear Mrs. Nailor, so glad to see you! How well you look! I
haven't seen you since that charming evening at Mrs. Creamer's."

"Do you call that charming? What did you think of the dinner?" asked
Mrs. Nailor, dryly.

He laughed, and, with a glance around, lowered his voice.

"Well, the champagne was execrable after the first round. Didn't you
notice that? You didn't notice it? Oh, you are too amiable to admit it.
I am sure you noticed it, for no one in town has such champagne as you."

He licked his lips with reminiscent satisfaction.

"No, I assure you, I am not flattering you. One of my cloth! How dare
you charge me with it!" he laughed. "I have said as much to Mrs. Yorke.
You ask her if I haven't."

"How is your uncle's health?" inquired Mrs. Nailor.

The young man glanced at her, and the glance appeared to satisfy him.

"Robust isn't the word for it. He bids fair to rival the patriarchs in
more than his piety."

Mrs. Nailor smiled. "You don't appear as happy as a dutiful nephew
might."

"But he is so good--so pious. Why should I wish to withhold him from the
joys for which he is so ripe?"

Mrs. Nailor laughed.

"You are a sinner," she declared.

"We are all miserable sinners," he replied. "Have you seen the Yorkes
lately?"

"No; but I'll be bound you have."

"What do you think of the story about old Lancaster?"

"Oh, I think she'll marry him if mamma can arrange it."

"'Children, obey your parents,'" quoted Mr. Rimmon, with a little smirk
as he sidled away.

"He is one of our rising young clergymen, nephew of the noted Dr.
Little," explained Mrs. Nailor. "You know of him, of course? A good deal
better man than his nephew." This under her breath. "He is his uncle's
assistant and is waiting to step into his shoes. He wants to marry your
friend, Alice Yorke. He is sure of his uncle's church if flattery can
secure it."

Just then several ladies passed near them, and Mrs. Nailor, seeing an
opportunity to impart further knowledge, with a slight nod moved off to
scatter her information and inquiries