in procession as he does before the eyes of all men. Even a
chemist scarcely takes so much upon himself. In respect of the body he
may, I'll allow you,--for no verger has to do with prussic acid, iodine,
cascara and all such-like,--but in respect of what I might all the
uplifting of the soul not a doubt of it but that the verger comes far
before any chemist. It's a solemn thing to think of, and I hope, if so
be as I'm elected, I shall be worthy of the position. I see Mr. Dean
to-morrow, sir, at eleven o'clock. I trust I shall make a favorable
impression. I lived just off Hanover Square for more years than some can
remember, and that, I hope, with a Very Reverend will tell in my favor.
None of them vergers here, though I'm sure they're a splendid body of
men,--any one who has seen them walking before his Lordship, the Bishop,
the Canons and what not, as I did last Sunday morning, would say the
same,--but none of the vergers here can say as much. I've made inquiry,
but of course with all discretion. As to the duties, sir, I think I can
fulfil them. The carrying of the wand I may say I am almost perfect in
already. I've been at it in the garden with your kind good lady since I
came. I found it a bit difficult at first, sir. There's what you might
call a knack to it, though from the congregation it looks simple enough.
But there, what does a congregation know of the things a verger has
to master any more than it does of what is required of a good chemist?
Often and often when I was just off Hanover Square----"

He was still flowing on with imperturbable volubility when Rosamund came
back and sent another, more inquiring, glance to Dion.

When Mr. Thrush had retired she at once said anxiously:

"Well?"

"He's a nice old chap."

"Yes, isn't he? But what did you really think?"

"About the nose?"

"Yes."

"The lamp was turned rather low, but I really believe the modified
pledge has--"

"There! What did I say?" she interrupted triumphantly. "I knew you'd
notice the difference. It's really very much like yours or mine now, and
I'm sure--"

But here Dion broke in decisively.

"No, Rosamund, I can't let that pass. It's not like yours yet. I say
nothing about mine. But I honestly think it's modified and I hope the
Dean will pass it."

"The Dean and I are great cronies!" she murmured doubtfully. "My only
fear is that after he is a verger Mr. Thrush may--may lapse if I'm
not----"

She stopped, looking at Dion, and a