"With pleasure," said Quimbleton. "Will you put it down in black
and white, please?"

He secured the Bishop's signature to a document giving
instructions for the necessary legislation to be passed. Folding
the precious paper in his pocket, Quimbleton faced the black-
browed Bishop. He held Theodolinda by the hand.

"I am sorry," he said, "that I should have forgotten to bring a
ring with me. If I had done so, you might have married us here and
now. At least you will not refuse us your blessing?"

"Blessings have been abolished," said Chuff in a voice of
exasperation. "Now inform me what it is that I have forgotten to
condemn."

"Work!" cried Quimbleton, and the three ran hastily from the room.





CHAPTER IX

THE ELECTION


In the days following Quimbleton's coup Chuff was in seclusion. It
was rumored that he was ill; it was rumored that the sounds of