were somewhat late, he glanced toward the platform, and great was his
astonishment to see Dr. Rannage, the new archdeacon, sitting there. A
sudden fear seized him that he might be recognised, and his plans
spoiled. He was glad that he was so far back where the light was dim,
and that he would hardly be noticed from the platform.

Simon Stubbles was chairman, and he had called the meeting to order
before Douglas arrived. He was making a few opening remarks, and was
in an excellent frame of mind, and inclined to be somewhat jocular. He
realised the importance of having an archdeacon present, and referred
to it several times. To Douglas, he seemed most ridiculous as he stood
there endeavouring to be as pompous as possible that all might be
properly impressed.

"I have been greatly concerned about the spiritual welfare of this
parish," he was saying. "It is really a disaster that we have had no
rector for a long time. It is, therefore, with great satisfaction that
news has reached us that the Bishop is to send us a clergyman in a few
weeks. We all trust that he will be a suitable man and fall into the
ways of the people here. So much depends upon that, and I feel sure
that the Bishop has had an eye to our needs. He knows this parish, and
in the goodness of his heart he has sent this notable delegation to
meet us and discuss Church affairs. It is not the first time that I
have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rannage, who has recently been
honored, and rightly so, by the Bishop. I know you are eagerly waiting
to hear what he has to say about the parson who is coming to us. I
have much pleasure in introducing to you the first speaker of the
evening, the Venerable Archdeacon Rannage of St. Margaret's Church."

Dr. Rannage rose slowly to his feet and stood before the assembled
people. Physically, he was an impressive looking man, especially so
with his long black clerical coat, and official gaiters. If only a
different head adorned his well-built body, everything would have been
in proportion. But as Douglas studied him, he noted what a weak chin
he possessed, how the bump of conceit was largely developed, and how
low and receding his forehead, over which a thin crop of hair was
carefully parted in the middle. But he had the gift of speech, and if
he merely said "Two and two are four" it was uttered in such a manner
as to seem like a great piece of news, and made people wonder at the
knowledge of the man.