fallen in with it very readily. How
are you getting on with your observations? Have you not wanted me
dreadfully, to write down notes?'

'Well, I have been obliged to do without you, whether or no. See
here,--how much I have done.' And he showed her a book ruled in columns,
headed 'Object,' 'Right Ascension,' 'Declination,' 'Features,' 'Remarks,'
and so on.

She looked over this and other things, but her mind speedily winged its
way back to the confirmation. 'It is so new to me,' she said, 'to have
persons coming to the house, that I feel rather anxious. I hope the
luncheon will be a success.'

'You know the Bishop?' said Swithin.

'I have not seen him for many years. I knew him when I was quite a girl,
and he held the little living of Puddle-sub-Mixen, near us; but after
that time, and ever since I have lived here, I have seen nothing of him.
There has been no confirmation in this village, they say, for twenty
years. The other bishop used to make the young men and women go to
Warborne; he wouldn't take the trouble to come to such an out-of-the-way
parish as ours.'

'This cleaning and preparation that I observe going on must be rather a
tax upon you?'

'My brother Louis sees to it, and, what is more, bears the expense.'

'Your brother?' said Swithin, with surprise.

'Well, he insisted on doing so,' she replied, in a hesitating, despondent
tone. 'He has been active in the whole matter, and was the first to
suggest the invitation. I should not have thought of it.'

'Well, I will hold aloof till it is all over.'

'Thanks, dearest, for your considerateness. I wish it was not still
advisable! But I shall see you on the day, and watch my own philosopher
all through the service from the corner of my pew! . . . I hope you are
well prepared for the rite, Swithin?' she added, turning tenderly to him.
'It would perhaps be advisable for you to give up this astronomy till the
confirmation is over, in order to devote your attention exclusively to
that more serious matter.'

'More serious! Well, I will do the best I can. I am sorry to see that
you are less interested in astronomy than you used to be, Viviette.'

'No; it is only that these preparations for the Bishop unsettle my mind
from study. Now put on your other coat and hat, and come with me a
little way.'

XXIV

The morning of the confirmation was come. It was mid-May time, bringing
with it weather not, perhaps, quite so blooming as that