not fashionably cut, and that, to the people about
him, he must appear odd and, perhaps, even ridiculous. But he remembered
how odd certain city people appeared while summering at South Denboro.
Recollections of pointed comments made by boatmen who had taken these
summer sojourners on fishing excursions came to his mind. Well, he
had one advantage over such people, at any rate, he knew when he was
ridiculous, and they apparently did not.

So, saved from humiliation by his sense of humor, he looked about him
with interest. When the procession of choir boys came up the aisle,
and Mrs. Dunn explained in a condescending whisper what they were, his
answer surprised her a trifle. "Yes," whispered the captain in reply, "I
know. I've seen the choir in Saint Peter's at Rome."

Only once did he appear greatly astonished. That was when the offering
was taken and a certain dignified magnate, whose fame as a king of
finance is world-wide, officiated as one of the collectors.

"Heavens and earth!" murmured Captain Elisha, staring wide-eyed at
the unmistakable features so often pictured and cartooned in the daily
papers; "Caroline--Caroline, am I seein' things or is that--is that--"

"That is Mr. ----," whispered his niece. "He is one of the vestrymen
here."

"My soul!" still gazing after the Emperor of Wall Street; "_Him_ passin'
the plate! Well," with a grim smile, "whoever picked him out for the job
has got judgment. If _he_ can't make a body shell out, nobody can."

He listened to the sermon, the text of which was from the Beatitudes,
with outward solemnity, but with a twinkle in his eye. After the
benediction, when Caroline asked how he enjoyed it, the cause of the
twinkle became apparent.

"Fine!" he declared, with enthusiasm. "He's a smart preacher, ain't he!
And he knew his congregation. You might not guess they was meek perhaps,
but they certainly did look as if they'd inherited the earth."

He drew a breath of relief as the trio emerged into the open air. He had
enjoyed the novel experience, in a way, but now he felt rather like one
let out of jail. The quiet luncheon at home with Caroline was a pleasant
anticipation.

But Mrs. Corcoran Dunn smashed his anticipation at a blow. She insisted
that he and his niece lunch with her.

"You really must, you know," she declared. "It will be delightful. Just
a little family party."

Captain Elisha looked distressed. "Thank you, ma'am," he stammered;
"it's awful kind of y