let face was wreathed
in smiles. In his hand he carried a black and white straw hat and a
pair of black kid gloves. He placed the hat in the middle of his waist
line and bowed apologetically.

"I beg your pardon--I do indeed beg your pardon."

Mrs. Barraclough was equal to the occasion and presented a perfect
example of mid-Victorian austerity.

"May I ask, sir, why you enter my house other than by the front door?
And also what persuaded you to address me in the lane this afternoon?"

"My dear lady," protested Mr. Bolt with a world of unction. "I come
from a part of the country where formality is unknown and where a
minister--a minister of the gospel--enters into the hearts and the
homes of men and of women by the shortest possible route."

"Fiddlesticks," said Mrs. Barraclough uncompromisingly.

At which her visitor expressed himself as greatly shocked and turned
his eyes heavenward.

"I remark with sorrow," he observed, "that you are not a true believer.
Your faith is not of the simple kind."

He could hardly have chosen an unhappier argument. Mrs. Barraclough's
devotion was a byword in the parish. To be treated thus by a totally
unknown clergyman was not to be tolerated. Her doubt as to the probity
of this person fostered by Jane and Flora took definite shape. She
decided to interrogate and, if necessary, expose him without further
preamble.

"It is customary for visitors to be announced," she said. "I would be
obliged if you would tell me your name."

Mr. Bolt sighed and seated himself heavily on the sofa, his little
pig-like eyes roving round the room.

"My name, madam, is the Reverend Prometheus Bolt."

"And why have you called upon me?"

Mr. Bolt faltered. He did not like this lady who pointed every
question.

"An act of civility, my dear madam. I am staying a few days in this
enchanting vicinity and hearing of your benevolent character was
persuaded to pay my best respects."

"My benevolent character! You are collecting for a charity? You are
proposing to hand me a tract?"

"No, indeed no. My visit is connected with this world and not the
next. I was informed in the village that this house was to let."

"You were misinformed."

"Furnished--to let furnished. Yes." This was a happy thought and he
followed it up closely. "I should consider myself indeed fortunate if
you, dear lady, would conduct me round its various apartments."

"The house is not to let under any considera