p from falling. It passed away and he went on. It was only a
slight hesitation, and no one remarked anything out of the way. For five
minutes he spoke with increasing power and feeling. The church was
filled. It was very quiet. Suddenly, without any warning, he threw up
his arms, uttered a cry of half-suppressed agony, and then fell over
backward. A thrill of excitement ran through the audience. For a moment
no one moved; then every one rose. The men in the front pews rushed up
to the platform. Mrs. Strong was already there. Philip's head was
raised. Philip's old friend, the surgeon, was in the crowd, and he at
once examined him. He was not dead, and the doctor at once directed the
proper movement for his removal from the church. As he was being carried
out into the air he revived and was able to speak.

"Take me home," he whispered to his wife, who hung over him in a terror
as great as her love for him at that moment. A carriage was called and
he was taken home. The doctor remained until Philip was fully conscious.

"It was very warm and I was very tired, and I fainted, eh, doctor? First
time I ever did such a thing in my life. I am ashamed; I spoiled the
service." Philip uttered this slowly and feebly, when at last he had
recovered enough to knew where he was.

The doctor looked at him suspiciously. "You never fainted before, eh?
Well, if I were you I would take care not to faint again. Take good care
of him, Mrs. Strong. He needs rest. Milton could spare a dozen bad men
like me better than one like the Dominie."

"Doctor!" cried Mrs. Strong, in sudden fear, "what is the matter? Is
this serious?"

"Not at all. But men like your husband are in need of watching. Take
good care of him."

"Good care of him! Doctor, he will not mind me! I wanted him to stay at
home to-night, but he wouldn't."

"Then put a chain and padlock on him, and hold him in!" growled the
surgeon. He prescribed a medicine and went away assuring Mrs. Strong
that Philip would feel much better in the morning.

The surgeon's prediction came true. Philip found himself weak the next
day, but able to get about. In reply to numerous calls of inquiry for
the minister, Mrs. Strong was able to report that he was much better.
About eleven o'clock, when the postman called, Philip was in his study
lying on his lounge.

His wife brought up two letters. One of them was from his old chum; he
read that first. He then laid it down and opened the other.

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