g the Clibborns' bell.

He came into the dining-room in his best coat, his honest red face
shining with soap, and with a consciousness that he was about to perform
an heroic deed.

"This is kind of you, Miss Clibborn! Do you know, I feared the servant
was going to say you were 'not at home.'"

"Oh, I never let her say that when I'm in. Mamma doesn't think it wrong,
but one can't deny that it's an untruth."

"What a beautiful character you have!" cried the curate, with
enthusiasm.

"I'm afraid I haven't really; but I like to be truthful."

"Were you surprised to receive my letter?"

"I'm afraid I didn't understand it."

"I was under the impression that I expressed myself with considerable
perspicacity," remarked the curate, with a genial smile.

"I don't pretend to be clever."

"Oh, but you are, Miss Clibborn. There's no denying it."

"I wish I thought so."

"You're so modest. I have always thought that your mental powers were
very considerable indeed. I can assure you it has been a great blessing
to me to find someone here who was capable of taking an intelligent
interest in Art and Literature. In these little country places one
misses intellectual society so much."

"I'm not ashamed to say that I've learnt a lot from you, Mr. Dryland."

"No, that is impossible. All I lay claim to is that I was fortunate
enough to be able to lend you the works of Ruskin and Marie Corelli."

"That reminds me that I must return you the 'Master Christian.'"

"Please don't hurry over it. I think it's a book worth pondering over;
quite unlike the average trashy novel."

"I haven't had much time for reading lately."

"Ah, Miss Clibborn, I understand! I'm afraid you've been very much
upset. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was; but I felt it would be
perhaps indelicate."

"It is very kind of you to think of me."

"Besides, I must confess that I cannot bring myself to be very sorry.
It's an ill wind that blows nobody good."

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Mr. Dryland."

"Miss Clibborn, I have come here to-day to converse with you on a matter
which I venture to think of some importance. At least, it is to me. I
will not beat about the bush. In these matters it is always best, I
believe, to come straight to the point." The curate cleared his throat,
and assumed his best clerical manner. "Miss Clibborn, I have the honour
to solemnly ask you for your hand."

"Oh!"

Mary blushed scarlet, and her heart we