an
extraordinary man," repeated the chaplain several times.

"Yes, is he not?" said Fanny. "I think he is the nicest clergyman I have
ever seen; and if one did not understand a word of his sermon, it would
still be most edifying only to hear him read the service. Then the
charming poems he writes!"

"Yes. For my part, I consider his last poem, 'Peace and Reconciliation,'
the best thing of the kind that has appeared in our literature for the
last ten years. Can you imagine anything more charming than the lines--

"'I sat, in silent peace of even,
On humble bench before my cot'?"

"Was he poor once?" asked Madeleine, quickly.

Fanny laughed; but the chaplain explained, in a clear and good-natured
way, that the poem had been written after Sparre had become dean, and
that the cottage was merely a poetical way of expressing his great
simplicity.

Madeleine felt that she had asked a foolish question, and went to the
window and looked out into the street.

"Yes," continued the chaplain, "there is something about the dean I can
never quite understand. I never can quite make up my mind exactly where
it lies; but when you are face to face with him, you feel his power and
superiority. I might almost say he seems to fascinate you. When he is
made a bishop--"

"A bishop?" asked Fanny.

"Yes, indeed; there is no doubt that the dean will have the first
bishopric that becomes vacant. I have heard it publicly mentioned."

"No, really! I should never have thought of it," said Fanny. "But you
are quite right. Won't he look noble with his imposing figure and white
hair, and the gold cross shining on his breast? It is a pity ours is not
a cathedral town; a bishop is really so interesting. For instance, in
'Leonardo.' Madeleine, have you ever seen a bishop?"

Madeleine turned towards her with a deep blush on her face, as she
stammered out, "What were you asking, Fanny?"

But Fanny's quick eye had already caught sight of Delphin, who was
coming over from the other side of the street. She returned his bow,
and, observing Madeleine closely, said to her, "Will you be so good as
to go and get a cup for Mr. Delphin?"

"Is he coming in?" said the chaplain, looking for his hat.

"Yes. But I have not given you leave to go, Mr. Martens; we were getting
on so nicely."

Delphin came in, and Fanny gave him a friendly nod, and continued, "Now,
in your position as clergyman, you really must assist us to effect Mr.
Delphin's c