ds on her slim straight shoulders and stared
into the beautiful, troubled face.

"Elsie, if any one else does come between us--"

She was seized with strange and sudden fear. "No, no, you don't know
what you are saying."

He relented instantly. "I'm sorry, I was talking nonsense. Now I've
got to go and see the bishop about the new church--won't you come?"

The shadow passed from her eyes. "Yes, I'd love to see him, if you
won't get on that subject again."

"What subject?"

"You know," she laughed, once more light hearted.

"I promise, but for to-day only."

They walked slowly down the long straight street that led past Filmer's
house, which was surrounded by trees, and reached the corner where
Fisette's cottage marked the turn up to the bishop's residence.
Fisette was on his front doorstep with small people around him, and
waved gayly as they passed.

"He's very happy now, isn't he?" said Elsie.

Belding nodded. He found it hard to join in the happiness of another
man whose children's arms were about his neck. Elsie's eyes turned to
the figure of the bishop, who was on his wide veranda, a large straw
hat on the back of his head. Manuscript lay on the floor beside him
but at the moment he was absorbed in a large green leaf that spread
across his knees. It was piled with strawberries. As the gate clicked
he signaled hospitably.

"Come along, children--just in time. Mr. Belding, can you pick fruit
by moonlight? Elsie, come here and talk to me. To tell the truth I
wasn't thinking just now of any of my flock, but I'd much sooner see a
lamb like you than some of the old ewes who will always insist on being
serious and respectful. What you observe on the floor is a book I
would have written if I'd not been a bishop." He rambled on till
Belding reappeared with a hat full of berries.

"Here they are, sir, and I've got another offering as well."

"You don't say so, what is it?"

"Do you remember, a year or so ago, talking to me about a
pro-cathedral?"

"Very distinctly. But I was afraid that the press of work had made the
thing impossible so far as you were concerned, so I let the matter
stand."

"Well, it isn't impossible, and that church is going to be built."

The bishop drew a long breath. "I am delighted to hear it, because I
haven't got any money yet. It has all gone in salaries of
missionaries, and your friend Mr. Clark has put me to a lot of extra
expense. I knew he would the minut