Curzon,' he said; 'that's his name, a meddlesome chap, if ever there
were one! Now the last rector were a real gentleman! You could please
yourself about going to church or staying at home; but he were
wonderful kind in sickness and such.'

"'And you miss the attention, I daresay?"

"'Well, I'm not saying that exactly. Mr. Curzon's wonderful took up
with the sick folks and children, but it's us well ones he can't leave
alone. His work's never done, as you may say. Now what do you suppose
he's after to-night?' in a tone of angry argument.

"'I really can't guess.'

"'No; it's not likely you would. He makes believe as he's gone for a
walk, but he'll be turning back again about such time as the men are
turning out of the public there! Then, come next week, he'll be
droppin' into one cottage or another about such time as the man comes
in from work, and it'ull be, 'So and so, I'm afraid you had a glass too
much on Saturday night. I wouldn't do it, if I was you;' and then he's
sure to put in something about coming to church on Sunday."

"And do they?' I asked.

"'Some on 'em. Most of 'em, if I speaks the truth, gets tired of being
told of it, I think, and goes just to pacify him, as you may, say; but
I don't hold with it myself.'

"Apparently this faithful shepherd does succeed in driving a very large
proportion of his flock to church on Sunday. Allison and I are
distinctly in a minority. I was nearly being carried there forcibly
myself to-night; and I only escaped, I believe, because Mrs. Macdonald
has evolved, from the label on my portmanteau that I am the coming
squire, and must be allowed some liberty of opinion.

"'You'll be going to church to-night, sir,' she said, beginning the
attack with gentle firmness. 'John and I lock up the house and hide
the key under the mat, in case you come back before we do. We have a
walk these summer evenings when church is over.'

"'Thank you, Mrs. Macdonald, you can leave the key in the door; I have
writing to do.'

"'But you'll be going to church, for sure; you were not there this
morning, I'm thinking, and the rector's sure to say something of him
that's gone.'

"I had not the courage of my opinions, like Allison. How could I
grieve the kindly eyes that looked into mine? So I took refuge in weak
evasion.

"'I've been over-worked and over-worried, Mrs. Macdonald, and my head
aches, and I need rest and quiet.'

"'Well there, sir; you'll forgive my making s