reeze, and there was a momentary pause. Then the Vicar,
with a discreet cough to clear his throat, came forward.

"Captain Parsons, ladies and gentlemen, parishioners of Little Primpton,
I wish to take the opportunity to say a few words."

The Vicar made an admirable speech. The sentiments were hackneyed, the
observations self-evident, and the moral obvious. His phrases had the
well-known ring which distinguishes the true orator. Mr. Jackson was
recognised everywhere to be a fine platform speaker, but his varied
excellence could not be appreciated in a summary, and he had a fine
verbosity. It is sufficient to say that he concluded by asking for more
cheers, which were heartily given.

James found the whole affair distasteful and ridiculous; and indeed
scarcely noticed what was going on, for his thoughts were entirely
occupied with his father. At first Colonel Parsons seemed too depressed
to pay attention to the ceremony, and his eyes travelled every now and
again to James, with that startled, unhappy expression which was
horribly painful to see. But his age and weakness prevented him from
feeling very intensely for more than a short while; time had brought its
own good medicine, and the old man's mind was easily turned. Presently
he began to smile, and the look of pride and happiness returned to his
face.

But James was not satisfied. He felt he must make active reparation.
When the Vicar finished, and he understood that some reply was expected,
it occurred to him that he had an opportunity of salving the bitter
wound he had caused. The very hatred he felt at making open allusion to
his feelings made him think it a just punishment; none knew but himself
how painful it was to talk in that strain to stupid, curious people.

"I thank you very much for the welcome you have all given me," he said.

His voice trembled in his nervousness, so that he could hardly command
it, and he reddened. It seemed to James a frightful humiliation to have
to say the things he had in mind, it made them all ugly and vulgar; he
was troubled also by his inability to express what he felt. He noticed a
reporter for the local newspaper rapidly taking notes.

"I have been very much touched by your kindness. Of course, I am
extremely proud to have won the Victoria Cross, but I feel it is really
more owing to my father than to any deed of mine. You all know my
father, and you know what a brave and gallant soldier he was. It was
owing to his fin