," said Mrs. Archibald, "I am afraid the explosion would be as bad for
you as it would be for them."

"Don't try it," said Mrs. Kate. "I take a great interest in that budding
bit of felicity; I consider it an outgrowth of our own marriage and
honey-moon. When we sent out that wild couple, my father and mother, on a
wedding-tour, we did not dream that they would bring back to us a pair of
lovers, who never would have been lovers if it had not been for us, and
who are now ready for a wedding-tour on their own account, as soon as
circumstances may permit. And so, feeling a little right and privilege in
the matter, I am going to ask you, Mrs. Dearborn, to let them be married
here whenever the wedding-day shall come, and let them start out from this
house on their marriage career. Now don't you think that would be a fine
plan? I am sure your daughter will like it, when she remembers what she
owes us; and if Mr. Clyde objects I will undertake to make him change his
mind."

When the plan was proposed in full counsel, it was found that there would
be no need for the exercise of Mrs. Kate's powers of persuasion.

* * * * *

About ten days after Mrs. Dearborn and Margery had returned to their home,
and Clyde had followed, to move like a satellite in an orbit determined by
Mrs. Dearborn, Mr. Archibald was surprised, but also very much pleased, to
receive a visit from the bishop.

"I could not refrain," said that expansive individual, "from coming to you
as soon as circumstances would allow, and, while expressing to you the
great obligations under which you have placed me, to confide to you my
plans and my prospects. You have been so good to me that I believe you
will be pleased to know of the life work to which I have determined to
devote myself."

"I am glad to hear," said the other, "that you have made plans, but you
owe nothing to me."

"Excuse me," said the bishop, "but I do. This suit of clothes, sir, is the
foundation of my fortunes."

"And well earned," said Mr. Archibald. "But we will say no more about
that. Have you secured a position? Tell me about yourself."

"I have a position," said the bishop. "But would you prefer that I tell
you of that first, or begin at the beginning and briefly relate to you
what has happened since I saw you last?"

"Oh, begin at the beginning, by all means," said Mr. Archibald. "I was
sorry to be obliged to leave you all so unceremoniously,