ening; but as he seemed quite patient
under the infliction, and Miss Hall glad that he should be agreeable to
her kind friend, Mr Gwynne, Freda was obliged to give up her plan of
leaving them alone for the remainder of the evening, and to be content
with resolving that they should at least have the following morning to
themselves. This she effected, and was rewarded by a lusty squeeze of
the hand from the gentleman, when he took his leave, which she
afterwards declared to Miss Hall, would have made an Australian native
scream. Mr Gwynne sent Mr Jones to meet the train in his carriage, and
invited him to return as soon as he possibly could.

It may, perhaps, be as well to anticipate some of the events of this
story, and to say that in the course of three or four months, Mr Jones
and Miss Hall were married.

Soon after his return to London, Mr Jones was appointed brother curate
to Rowland Prothero, recommended by his friend, the rector. He undertook
this as temporary duty, because he was in expectation either of
obtaining a living or of returning to Australia; Miss Hall was quite
ready for either kind of work, feeling that, whether as the wife of a
clergyman at home or abroad, she would be most thankful to be permitted
to devote herself to her woman's part of missionary labour. Mr Jones had
a small income as secretary to one of the London and Colonial religious
societies, and was also engaged in work for the S.P.G., which, together
with his curacy, and the small savings of twenty years abroad, enabled
him to take and furnish a home for his wife, and gave them the prospect
of comfort, if not of ease and riches. Their desires were very moderate,
and their hopes fixed on objects beyond the general scope of vision; so
that they were content to 'live by the day,' and trust for the rest. The
world called them romantic and foolish for people of their ages; they
'knew in whom they believed,' and, 'having food and raiment, were
therewith content.'

Gladys had been installed in her offices of parcel lady's-maid, parcel
school-mistress at the Park, nearly three months, when the wedding took
place. She had largely contributed towards making Miss Hall's simple
wardrobe and wedding gear, and was rewarded by being allowed to marshal
the school children on the happy-day, as they lined the drive at the
Park gates, on the going forth and return of the bridal party. She was,
moreover, the one selected by the children to present Miss Hall