t made by the
Commissioner about the parish."

"That's it, that 's it. They 're going to send you off, L'Estrange. They
're going to draft you to a cathedral, and make a prebendary of you.
You are to be on the staff of an archbishop,--a sort of Christian
unattached. Do you like the prospect?"

"Not at all, sir. To begin, I am a very poor man, and could ill bear the
cost of life this might entail."

"Your sister would probably be pleased with the change; a gayer place,
more life, more movement."

"I suspect my sister reconciles herself to dulness even better than
myself."

"Girls do that occasionally; patience is a female virtue."

There was a slight pause; and now L'Estrange, drawing a long breath, as
if preparing himself for a great effort, said,--

"It was to speak to you, sir, about that very matter, and to ask your
assistance, that I came up here this day."

"I wish I were a bishop, for your sake, my dear friend."

"I know well, sir, I can count upon your kind interest in me, and I
believe that an opportunity now offers--"

"What is it? where is it?"

"At Rome, sir; or rather near Rome,--a place called Albano. They want a
chaplain there."

"But you're not a Catholic priest, L'Estrange."

"No, sir. It is an English community that wants a parson."

"I see; and you think this would suit you?"

"There are some great attractions about it; the country, the climate,
and the sort of life, all have a certain fascination for me, and Julia
is most eager about it."

"The young lady has ambition," muttered Bramleigh to himself. "But what
can _I_ do, L'Estrange? _I_ don't own a rood of land at Albano. I have
n't a villa,--not even a fig-tree there. I could subscribe to the church
fund, if there be such a thing; I could qualify for the franchise, and
give you a vote, if that would be of service."

"You could do better, sir. You could give me a letter to Lady Augusta,
whose influence, I believe, is all powerful."

For a moment Bramleigh stared at him fixedly, and then sinking slowly
into a chair, he leaned his head on his hand, and seemed lost in
thought. The name of Lady Augusta had brought up before him a long train
of events and possible consequences, which soon led him far away from
the parson and all his cares. From her debts, her extravagances, her
change of religion, and her suggestion of separation, he went back to
his marriage with her, and even to his first meeting. Strange chain of
disasters from