re, Stanton," and Dr. Rannage swung suddenly around on his
swivel chair, "you must not get downhearted."

"I am not," was the reply.

"Well, perhaps you are not, but I do not like the idea of your going
from me with nothing in view. Do you know the parish of Rixton?"

"Yes, I have heard of it, though I know very little about it."

"It seems that it has been vacant for some time, and it is most
difficult to get any one to go there. By the way, I met Mr. Simon
Stubbles at dinner to-night. He is the leading man at Rixton, and the
Bishop and I were much impressed with him. He is very wealthy, so I
understand; has a large sawmill, and carries on extensive lumbering
operations. He is greatly concerned about the spiritual welfare of
Rixton, and is most anxious that a suitable clergyman should be sent
there. He is quite willing to contribute liberally if the right man is
found."

"Why did the last one leave?" Douglas asked.

"He was not big enough for the work, so I learned from the brief
conversation I had with Mr. Stubbles. It is a most difficult parish,
composed principally of mill-men, woodsmen, and a few farmers. It
seems that the last clergyman used no tact at all in dealing with them,
and thus antagonised everybody, Mr. Stubbles included."

"So you think that I would suit, do you?" and Douglas looked
quizzically at Dr. Rannage.

"I believe you are just the man for the place."

"What makes you think so?"

"Because you know the ways of such people. You were born in the
country, were you not?"

"Why not let young Harmon have a try there? He is one of your boys,
and has just been ordained. Would it not be well for him to win his
spurs in a parish such as Rixton?"

"Oh, but he is a banker's son, you know, and we could not think of
sending him there."

"So I supposed," was the bitter reply, "though I never for a moment
imagined that you would so candidly acknowledge it."

"Acknowledge what?" Dr. Rannage queried.

"That because Harmon is a banker's son he would not be sent to an
out-of-the-way country parish. His father is influential and can
influence those in authority, so he is booked for an important charge
in Silverton, so I understand. I am merely the son of a poor, honest
farmer, and so any old place will do for me."

"See here, young man, you have no right to talk that way," Dr. Rannage
retorted. "If you continue, I shall be compelled to report you to the
Bishop."

"Report all you li