ng, he was
surely by far the stronger of the two, both in intellect and character.
Not so saintly, perhaps, he was more likely to influence others. Firmness
showed in his forcible chin, energy in the large lines of his mouth,
decision in his clear-cut features. Yet there was something contradictory
in his face. And the flitting melancholy, already remarked, surely hinted
at some secret instability, perhaps known only to Harding himself,
perhaps known to Chichester also.

When the three men came to the turning at the corner of the Grosvenor
Hotel, Chichester stopped short.

"Here is our way," he said, speaking across Mr. Harding to Malling.

The rector looked at Malling.

"Have you far to go?" he asked, with rather a tentative air.

"I live in Cadogan Square."

"Of course. I remember. You told us you were going there."

"Good-by," said Chichester. "We are taking the underground to South
Kensington."

"I think I shall walk," said the rector.

"But you know we are due--"

"There is plenty of time. Tell them I shall be there at four."

"But really--"

"Punctually at four. I will walk on with Mr. Malling."

"I really think you had better not," began Chichester. "Over-exertion--"

"Am I an invalid?" exclaimed Mr. Harding, almost sharply.

"No, no, of course not. But you remember that yesterday you were not
quite well."

"That is the very reason why I wish to walk. Exercise always does my
dyspepsia good."

"Let us all walk," said the curate, abruptly.

But this was obviously not Mr. Harding's intention.

"I want you to go through the minutes and the accounts before the
meeting," he said, in a quieter but decisive voice. "We will meet at the
School at four. You will have plenty of time if you take the train. And
meanwhile Mr. Malling and I will go on foot together as far as Cadogan
Square."

Chichester stood for a moment staring into Mr. Harding's face, then he
said, almost sulkily:

"Very well. Good-by."

He turned on his heel, and was lost in the throng near the station.

It seemed to Malling that an expression of relief overspread his
companion's face.

"You don't mind my company for a little longer, I hope?" said the rector.

"I shall be glad to have it."

They set out on their walk to Cadogan Square. After two or three minutes
of silence the rector remarked:

"You know Chichester well?"

"I can hardly say that. I used to meet him sometimes with some friends of
mine, the Crespignys. But