with all honest disbeliefs. In his gentle,
sometimes slightly whimsical way, he was as sincere as Canon Wilton; but
whereas the Canon showed the blunt side of sincerity, he usually showed
the tender and winning side. He found good in others as easily and as
surely as the diviner finds the spring hidden under the hard earth's
surface. His hazel twig twisted if there was present only one drop of
the holy water.

He discerned many drops in Rosamund. In nothing of her was her
enthusiasm for what was noble and clean and sane and beautiful more
apparent than in her singing. Her voice and her talent were in service
when she sang, in service to the good. Music can be evil, neurotic,
decadent and even utterly base. She never touched musical filth, which
she recognized as swiftly as dirt on a body or corruption in a soul.

"We must have Bach's 'Heart ever faithful,'" said Canon Wilton strongly,
when Rosamund, after much singing, was about to get up from the piano.

Almost joyfully she obeyed his smiling command. When at last she shut
the piano she said to Father Robertson:

"That's Dion's--my husband's--best-loved melody."

"I should like to know your husband," said Father Robertson.

"You must, when he comes back."

"You have no idea, I suppose, how long he will be away?"

"No, nor has he."

"Then what are you going to do about Mrs. Browning's house?" said the
Canon's bass.

"Oh--well----"

Two lines appeared in her forehead.

"I thought of taking it for six months, and then I can see. My little
house in Westminster is let for six months from the first of March." She
had turned to Father Robertson: "I'm only afraid----" She paused. She
looked almost disturbed.

"What are you afraid of?" asked Canon Wilton.

"I'm afraid of getting too fond of Welsley."

The Canon looked across at Father Robertson on the other side of the
fireplace.

* * * * *

Rosamund went back to Robin and London on the following afternoon. In
the morning she took Father Robertson to see Mrs. Browning's house.
Canon Wilton was busy. After the morning service in the Cathedral he had
to go to a meeting of the Chapter, and later on to a meeting in the City
about something connected with education.

"I shall be in bonds till lunch," he said, "unless I burst them, as I'm
afraid I sometimes feel inclined to do when people talk at great length
on subjects they know nothing about."

"Perhaps Mrs. Leith will kindly take me to see her house and g