ts ago during the reception?'

'When? Where?'

'At that hotel, this evening. He looks a dangerous man.'

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders. 'It seems to me, Cargrim, that you are
making a mountain out of a mole hill. A stranger sees my father, and
afterwards you meet him at a public-house; there is nothing strange in
that.'

'You forget,' hinted Cargrim, sweetly, 'this man caused your father's
illness.'

'We can't be sure of that; and in any case, my father is quite clever
enough to deal with his own affairs. I see no reason why you should have
hunted me out to talk such nonsense. Good-night, Cargrim,' and with a
curt nod the curate stalked away, considerably annoyed by the meddlesome
spirit manifested by the chaplain. He had never liked the man, and, now
that he was in this interfering mood, liked him less than ever. It would
be as well, thought Gabriel, that Mr Cargrim should be dismissed from
his confidential office as soon as possible. Otherwise he might cause
trouble, and Gabriel mentally thought of the high-coloured young lady in
the bar. His conscience was not at ease regarding his admiration for
her; and he dreaded lest the officious Cargrim should talk about her to
the bishop. Altogether the chaplain, like a hornet, had annoyed both Dr
Pendle and his son; and the bishop in London and Gabriel in Beorminster
were anything but well disposed towards this clerical busybody, who
minded everyone's business instead of his own. It is such people who
stir up muddy water and cause mischief.

Meanwhile, the busybody looked after the curate with an evil smile; and,
gratified at having aroused such irritation as the abrupt parting
signified, turned back to The Derby Winner. He had seen Bell, he had
spoken to Gabriel, he had even secured an unsatisfactory conversation
with the unknown man. Now he wished to question Mrs Mosk and acquaint
himself with her nature and attitude. Also he desired to question her
concerning the military stranger; and with this resolve presented
himself again before Miss Mosk, smiling and undaunted.

'What is it?' asked the young lady, who had been nursing her grievances.

'A mere trifle, Miss Mosk; I wish to see your mother.'

'Why?' was Bell's blunt demand.

'My reasons are for Mrs Mosk's ears alone.'

'Oh, are they? Well, I'm afraid you can't see my mother. In the first
place, she's too ill to receive anyone; and in the second, my father
does not like clergymen.'

'Dear! dear! not even