that is everything. I have never thought much about money myself. If I
find any comfort in these tidings, it is for his sake, not for my own. I
would sooner remain as I am." This was not altogether untrue, and yet he
was thinking of the big house and the bunting.

"What will be done about the living?" It was early in the morning when
Mrs. Clavering asked this question. She had thought much about the
living during the night, and so had the rector, but his thoughts had not
run in the same direction as hers. He made no immediate answer, and then
she went on with her question. "Do you think that you will keep it in
your own hands?"

"Well--no; why should I? I am too idle about it as it is. I should be
more so under these altered circumstances."

"I am sure you would do your duty if you resolved to keep it, but I
don't see why you should do so."

"Clavering is a great deal better than Humbleton," said the rector.
Humbleton was the name of the parish held by Mr. Fielding, his
son-in-law.

But the idea here put forward did not suit the idea which was running in
Mrs. Clavering's mind. "Edward and Mary are very well off," she said.
"His own property is considerable, and I don't think they want anything.
Besides, he would hardly like to give up a family living."

"I might ask him, at any rate."

"I was thinking of Mr. Saul," said Mrs. Clavering, boldly.

"Of Mr. Saul!" The image of Mr. Saul, as rector of Clavering, perplexed
the new baronet egregiously.

"Well--yes. He is an excellent clergyman. No one can deny that." Then
there was silence between them for a few moments. "In that case, he and
Fanny would of course marry. It is no good concealing the fact that she
is very fond of him."

"Upon my word, I can't understand it," said the rector.

"It is so; and as to the excellence of his character, there can be no
doubt." To this the rector made no answer, but went away into his
dressing-room, that he might prepare himself for his walk across the
park to the great house. While they were discussing who should be the
future incumbent of the living, Lady Clavering was still sleeping in
unconsciousness of her fate. Mr. Clavering greatly dreaded the task
which was before him, and had made a little attempt to induce his wife
to take the office upon herself; but she had explained to him that it
would be more seemly that he should be the bearer of the tidings. "It
would seem that you were wanting in affection for her if you d