brown envelop.

"A telegram!" said the rector.

He took it into his hand and read the name on the envelop.

"It's for me. Malling, do you know whom this telegram is from?"

"How can I, or you, for that matter?"

"It is from Henry Chichester, and it is to recall me to London."

"It may be so."

"It is so. Open it for me."

Malling took the telegram from him and tore it open, while he sat heavily
down by the table.

"_Please return if possible difficulties in the parish Benyon ill need
your presence Chichester._"

Malling looked down at the rector.

"You see!" Mr. Harding said slowly.

"What do you mean to do?"

Mr. Harding got up from his chair with an effort like that of a weary
man.

"I wonder where the railway-guide is?" he said. "Excuse me for a moment,
Mr. Malling."

He went away into the drawing-room, and returned with the railway-guide
open in his hand.

"Malling," he said, using the greater familiarity he had for a moment
discarded, "I am about to do a rude thing, but I ask you, I beg of
you, to acquit me of any rude intention toward yourself. I have been
looking up the Sunday trains. I find I can catch a good one at Faversham
to-morrow morning. There is a motor I can hire in the town to get there.
It stands just by the post-office, where the road branches." He paused,
looking into Malling's face as if in search of some sign of vexation or
irony. "With a large parish on my hands," he went on, "I have a great
responsibility. And if Benyon, my second curate, is ill, they will
be short-handed."

"I see."

"What distresses me greatly--greatly--is leaving you, my guest, at such
short notice. I cannot say how I regret it."

He stopped. Purposely, to test him, Malling said nothing, but waited with
an expressionless face.

"I cannot say. But how can I do otherwise? My duty to the parish must
come before all things."

"I see," said Malling again.

Looking greatly disturbed, Mr. Harding continued:

"I will ask you to do me a very great favor. Although I am obliged to go,
I hope you will stay, I entreat you to stay till Monday. The professor is
here. You will not be companionless. The servants will do everything to
make you comfortable. As to food, wine--everything is provided for. Will
you stay? I shall feel more at ease in going if I know my departure has
not shortened your visit."

"It is very good of you," Malling replied. "I'll accept your kind offer.
To tell the truth, I'm in no hurry