This remote parish, cut off from the busier mainland by wide heaths and marshes, sparsely provided with ill-kept roads, had never looked for a bustling activity in its rectors.

Their forefathers had been content with a gentleman, given to sport and the pursuits of a country squire, marked on the seventh day by a hearty and robust godliness.

They would have preferred Parson Marvin to have handled a boat and carried a gun.

But he had his good qualities.

He left them alone.