He found the curate at home, and astonished and delighted him by asking him if he would like the living of Crowswood.

It came altogether as a surprise to him, for the Rector's intentions to resign had not been made public, and it was supposed in the village that he was only staying at the Squire's until this sad affair should be over.

Greg was a man of seven or eight and twenty, had graduated with distinction at Cambridge, but, having no influence, had no prospects of promotion, and the offer almost bewildered him.
"I should be grateful indeed, Mr.Thorndyke," he said.

"It would be a boon to us.

Will you excuse me for a moment ?" And opening a door, he called for his wife, who was trying to keep the two children quiet there, having retired with them hastily when Mr.
Thorndyke was announced.
"What do you think, Emma ?" her husband said excitedly, as she came into the room.