Mr.Clerke had got a curacy in London, and preached very earnest sermons, which Aunt Maria hoped would do Helen good.

Mr.Clerke worked very hard, and seemed to like it; but he said that his happiest days were Dacrefield days.

"I quite agree with him," Polly added.

Then came a letter:--"Oh, my dear Regie, fancy! Miss Blomfield is married.

And to whom, do you think?
Do you remember the old gentleman who sent us the cinder-parcel?
Well, it's to him; and he is really a very jolly old man; and thinks there is no one in the world like Miss Blomfield.