iscopal residence. The bell was plainly visible. He rang, and
presently came a tidy little housemaid. He had meditated a form of
words. It would be absurd to say "Is the Bishop in?" for he knew the
Bishop WAS in. So he said "This is Mr. Gissing. I think the Bishop is
expecting me."

Bishop Borzoi was an impressive figure--immensely tall and slender,
with long, narrow ascetic face and curly white hair. He was surprisingly
cordial.

"Ah, Mr. Gissing?" he said. "Sit down, sir. I know Beagle and Company
very well. Too well, in fact-Mrs. Borzoi has an account there."

Gissing, feeling rather aghast and tentative, had no comment ready. He
was still worrying a little as to the proper mode of address.

"It is very pleasant to find you Influential Merchants interested in the
Church," continued the Bishop. "I often thought of approaching the late
Mr. Beagle on the subject of a small contribution to the cathedral.
Indeed, I have spent so much in your store that it would be only a fair
return. Mr. Collie, of Greyhound, Collie and Company, has been very
handsome with us: he has just provided for repaving the choir."

Gissing began to fear that the object of his visit had perhaps been
misunderstood, but the prelate's eyes were bright with benignant
enthusiasm and he dared not interrupt.

"You inquired most kindly in your letter as to a possible vacancy in the
Church. Indeed there is a niche in the transept that I should be happy
to see filled. It is intended for some kind of memorial statue, and
perhaps, in honour of the late Mr. Beagle--"

"I must explain, Sir Bishop," said Gissing, very much disturbed, "that
I have left Beagle and Company. The contribution I wish to make to the
Church is not a decorative one, I fear. It is myself."

"Yourself?" queried the Bishop, politely puzzled.

"Yes," stammered Gissing, "I--in fact, I am hoping to--to enter the
ministry."

The Bishop was plainly amazed, and his long, aristocratic nose seemed
longer than ever as he gazed keenly at his caller.

"But have you had any formal training in theology?"

"None, right reverend Bishop," said Gissing, "But it's this way," and,
incoherently at first, but with increasing energy and copious eloquence,
he poured out the story of his mental struggles.

"This is singularly interesting," said the Bishop at length. "I can
see that you are wholly lacking in the rudiments of divinity. Of modern
exegesis and criticism you are quite innocent. But you ev