They are a good set of people--typically English of England!" "If some millionaire were to leave every man, woman, and child a thousand or more pounds apiece, I wonder what would happen ?" suggested Helmsley.
"Their joy would be turned to misery!" said the clergyman--"and their little heaven would become a hell! Fortunately for them, such a disaster is not likely to happen!" Helmsley was silent; and after his kindly visitor had left him that day sat for a long time absorbed in thought, his hands resting idly on the osiers which he was gradually becoming too weak to bend.
It was now wearing on towards the middle of June, and on one fine morning when Mary was carefully spreading out on a mending-frame a wonderful old flounce of priceless _point d'Alencon_ lace, preparatory to examining the numerous repairs it needed, Helmsley turned towards her abruptly with the question-- "When are you and Angus going to be married, my dear ?" Mary smiled, and the soft colour flew over her face at the suggestion.
"Oh, not for a long time yet, David!" she replied.

"Angus has not yet finished his book,--and even when it is all done, he has to get it published.

He won't have the banns put up till the book is accepted." "Won't he ?" And Helmsley's eyes grew very wistful.

"Why not ?" "Well, it's for quite a good reason, after all," she said.

"He wants to feel perfectly independent.