ike him. Let them rest in their
graves--for graves are better than courts. As Minister I could not say
these things; but I trust you, gentlemen, and I am talking to you now
as a man who has known love himself. Good-bye."

The little man stiffened up and became the Minister again.

"When, gentlemen, will you be ready to receive Mademoiselle Atheson?"

Father Murray bowed. "Whenever Your Excellency is pleased to send her."

"Perhaps, Reverend Sir, you will honor me by your presence at
luncheon?" As Father Murray hesitated, he added, "It will be better
that you should accompany Mademoiselle Atheson to the hotel. Besides,"
and he smiled good-humoredly, "we can get together and revise those
statements properly."

Father Murray bowed his acceptance and His Excellency took his leave.
"Luncheon is at one," he remarked, as he left the room. "I should be
pleased if you would come a little early. I know you will desire to
talk with Mademoiselle."

Shortly after twelve Father Murray was admitted to the Ministry, where
Ruth greeted him affectionately.

"How do you like being a Grand Duchess, Ruth?"

She made a little moue. "I don't like it at all. I'm abdicating
to-day."

He laughed, and they chatted together for some time, being finally
joined by His Excellency's daughters, who stayed with them until
luncheon was served. The meal proved to be a merry one, and after it
was over the two gentlemen withdrew to the library, followed by
Wratslav. Then, accompanied by Ruth, Father Murray returned to the
hotel--in a long, low-built limousine.

* * * * * *

The Bishop hurriedly pushed aside his almost untouched breakfast and
hastened to his study. The time was short, and there was much to be
done. His secretary, always prompt, handed him the morning papers, but
the Bishop pushed them aside.

"No, I haven't time now. Put them in my grip."

The secretary started to speak, but the Bishop was already giving his
instructions, and his subordinate waited, perforce, for a more
opportune time--which never came.

On the train, the Bishop's breviary first claimed his attention. As he
paused to rest his eyes, his idle glance was suddenly arrested by the
flaring headlines of a paper across the aisle. Quickly he opened his
grip and brought forth his own papers. Ah, here it was--on the first
page.

MISS RUTH ATHESON TO WED BARON GRIFFIN
Former Vicar-General Announces
th