Gissing, feeling rather aghast and tentative, had no comment
ready. He was still worrying a little as to the proper mode of
address.

"It is very pleasant to find you Influential Merchants interested
in the Church," continued the Bishop. "I often thought of
approaching the late Mr. Beagle on the subject of a small
contribution to the cathedral. Indeed, I have spent so much in
your store that it would be only a fair return. Mr. Collie, of
Greyhound, Collie and Company, has been very handsome with us: he
has just provided for repaving the choir."

Gissing began to fear that the object of his visit had perhaps
been misunderstood, but the prelate's eyes were bright with
benignant enthusiasm and he dared not interrupt.

"You inquired most kindly in your letter as to a possible vacancy
in the Church. Indeed there is a niche in the transept that I
should be happy to see filled. It is intended for some kind of
memorial statue, and perhaps, in honour of the late Mr. Beagle--"

"I must explain, Sir Bishop," said Gissing, very much disturbed,
"that I have left Beagle and Company. The contribution I wish to
make to the Church is not a decorative one, I fear. It is
myself."

"Yourself?" queried the Bishop, politely puzzled.

"Yes," stammered Gissing, "I--in fact, I am hoping to--to enter