It was in itself a response to a tacit appeal." There was a pause, and then he continued cheerfully.

"Rawlings has proved himself dreadfully competent as you prophesied, and Lucy is very happy in her new home.

I came on from there this morning.

My son-in-law, with the admirable promptitude and economy of time which endeared him to me as my chaplain, had arranged that every moment of my visit should be utilised; that I should christen their first child, dedicate a thank-offering in the shape of a lectern, consecrate the new portion of the churchyard, open a reading-room, and say a few cordial words at a drawing-room meeting before I left at mid-day.

I told him if he went on like this he would certainly come to grief and be made a bishop some day.