t degrees,
letting "the best man win," in accordance with the old motto of the now
extinct "Prize Ring."

Perhaps, if ministers were subjected to some such ordeal--and there
might be a good deal in it if it were only properly conducted--they
would find themselves fit to grapple with more vital matters than
political pyrotechnics, which are only fired off to suit popular
clamour; and, were they better acquainted with history, especially that
of their own country--as they would be, if forced to "cram" like the
commissioners' candidates--they would hesitate before sacrificing the
old renown of England, and the interests which she has consolidated with
her blood and treasure for generations, to suit a bastard diplomacy
invented by the "peace-at-any-price" party of patriotism-less patriots!

The vicar, naturally, was delighted with my success; and, as for little
Miss Pimpernell, she was quite jubilant.

"Dear me, Frank!" she said, when I took the letter announcing my
appointment to show her the same evening I received it. "I am _so_
glad--I can't tell you how glad--my dear boy! Why, we will have you and
Miss Min soon setting up house-keeping! Did I not tell you that things
would be certain to come right, if you only waited, and worked, and
hoped? Never you go against Keble again, my boy."

I promised her I would not. I should have liked also to have spoken to
Mrs Clyde immediately, as Min was still away, and I could hear nothing
of her; but, she had left town, too, and so I was unable to carry out my
wish--which, indeed, Miss Pimpernell had strongly advised against my
doing. The latter counselled me to wait awhile before I renewed my
offer; and, it was just as well, perhaps, that Mrs Clyde _was_ away. I
might, you know, have put an end to all my hopes in a jiffey, if
circumstances had not prevented my hurrying matters again to a crisis!

It was very sad for me not to be able to see Min, and hear _her_
congratulations; but still, that could not be at present; and, in the
meantime, other folk took interest in me.

It is wonderful, how people living in a small suburb, or remote country
village, are obliged to submit to having their actions canvassed, and
the incidents of their private life made public property of, by other
persons with whom they may have nothing whatever in common!

For instance, what earthly concern was it of Mr Mawley's, whether I
chose to accept a Government appointment, or not? Why should _he