ried professional
duties."

Westray made a motion of assent, and the clergyman went on: "Let me
introduce myself as Canon Parkyn. You will no doubt have heard of me
from Sir George, with whom I, as rector of this church, have had
exceptional opportunities of associating. On one occasion, indeed, Sir
George spent the night under my own roof, and I must say that I think
any young man should be proud of studying under an architect of such
distinguished ability. I shall be able to explain to you very briefly
the main views which Sir George has conceived with regard to the
restoration; but in the meantime let me make you known to my worthy
parishioners--and friends," he added in a tone which implied some doubt
as to whether condescension was not being stretched too far, in
qualifying as friends persons so manifestly inferior.

"This is Mr Sharnall, the organist, who under my direction presides
over the musical portion of our services; and this is Dr Ennefer, our
excellent local practitioner; and this is Mr Joliffe, who, though
engaged in trade, finds time as churchwarden to assist me in the
supervision of the sacred edifice."

The doctor and the organist gave effect to the presentation by a nod,
and something like a shrug of the shoulders, which deprecated the
Rector's conceited pomposity, and implied that if such an exceedingly
unlikely contingency as their making friends with Mr Westray should
ever happen, it would certainly not be due to any introduction of Canon
Parkyn. Mr Joliffe, on the other hand, seemed fully to recognise the
dignity to which he was called by being numbered among the Rector's
friends, and with a gracious bow, and a polite "Your servant, sir," made
it plain that he understood how to condescend in his turn, and was
prepared to extend his full protection to a young and struggling
architect.

Beside these leading actors, there were present the clerk, and a handful
of walking-gentlemen in the shape of idlers who had strolled in from the
street, and who were glad enough to find shelter from the rain, and an
afternoon's entertainment gratuitously provided.

"I thought you would like to meet me here," said the Rector, "so that I
might point out to you at once the more salient features of the
building. Sir George Farquhar, on the occasion of his last visit, was
pleased to compliment me on the lucidity of the explanations which I
ventured to offer."

There seemed to be no immediate way of escape,