to read the lessons, conduct the service, and may address the
congregation upon matters not homiletic nor doctrinal; preaching
and actual entry into the pulpit are defended. But I see
excellent possibility in you. Perform the duties punctually in
this very lowly office, and high ranks of service in the church
militant will be open."

He put on a very fine shovel-hat, and led the way to his large
touring car.

It was a very uncomfortable ride for Gissing. A silk hat is the
least stable apparel for swift motoring, and the chauffeur drove
at high speed. The Bishop, leaning back in the open tonneau,
crossed one delicately slender shank over another, gazed in a
kind of ecstasy at the countryside, and talked gaily about his
days as a young curate. Gissing sat holding his hat on. He saw
only too well that, by the humiliating oddity of chance, they
were going to take the road that led exactly past his own house.
He could only hope that Mrs. Spaniel and the various children
would not be visible, for explanations would be too complicated.
Desperately he praised the view to be obtained on another road,
but Bishop Borzoi was too interested in his own topic to pay much
attention.

"By the way," said the latter, as they drew near the familiar
region, "I must introduce you to Miss Airedale. She lives in the
big place on the hill over there. Her family always used to
attend what I will now call YOUR chapel; she is a very ardent
churchgoer, and it was a sincere grief to her when the place had
to be closed. You will find her a great aid and comfort; not only