' said Cargrim, bowing.

'Siderum regina bicornis audi, Luna puellas,' quoted Mr Dean, with a
side glance at the radiant Daisy; and if that confident lady had
understood Latin, she would have judged from this satirical quotation
that Dr Alder was not so subjugated by her charms as to contemplate
matrimony. But being ignorant, she was--in accordance with the
proverb--blissful, and babbled on with a never-failing stream of small
talk, which was at times momentarily obstructed by the heavy masses of
information cast into it by the dean.

Leaving this would-be May and wary old December to their unequal
flirtation, Cargrim again attempted to reach the bishop, but was
captured by Miss Tancred, much to his disgust. She entertained him with
a long and minute account of her rheumatic pains and the means by which
she hoped to cure them. Held thus as firmly as the wedding guest was by
the Ancient Mariner, Cargrim lost the chance of hearing a very
interesting conversation between Miss Whichello and the bishop; but,
from the clouded brow of Dr Pendle, he saw that something was wrong, and
chafed at his enforced detention. Nevertheless, Miss Tancred kept him
beside her until she exhausted her trickle of small talk. It took all
Cargrim's tact and politeness and Christianity to endure patiently her
gabble.

'Yes, bishop,' Miss Whichello was saying, with some annoyance, 'your son
has admired my niece for some considerable time. Lately they became
engaged, but I refused to give my consent until your sanction and
approval had been obtained.'

'George has said nothing to me on the subject,' replied Dr Pendle, in a
vexed tone. 'Yet he should certainly have done so before speaking to
your niece.'

'No doubt! but unfortunately young men's heads do not always guide their
hearts. Still, Captain Pendle promised me to tell you all during his
present visit to Beorminster. And, of course, both Mrs Pendle and your
daughter Lucy know of his love for Mab.'

'It would appear that I am the sole person ignorant of the engagement,
Miss Whichello.'

'It was not with my consent that you were kept in ignorance, bishop. But
I really do not see why you should discourage the match. You can see for
yourself that they make a handsome pair.'

Dr Pendle cast an angry look towards the end of the lawn, where George
and Mab were talking earnestly together.

'I don't deny their physical suitability,' he said severely, 'but more
than good looks are needed to