freshen you up a bit."

"No, dear, not now. Just as soon as I look over the Service, I shall
go into the church to have everything ready."

He was gone but a few minutes when he returned, with an anxious
expression upon his face.

"Have you seen the key of the church, Martha?" he asked. "I cannot
find it anywhere."

"It must be in its usual place, Daniel. It always hangs there, and no
one ever thinks of touching it but yourself."

"Well, it's not there now, and I have hunted all through the study."

Mrs. Royal at once arose, and began to assist her husband in his search
for the missing key. All their efforts were in vain, however, and
before they were through the wedding party arrived. This was most
embarrassing, for the ones who had come to be married were very
particular, and would resent any delay. If they could not get into the
church they were sure to be angry, for it would make them the
laughing-stock of the entire parish.

"What shall we do!" Mrs. Royal gasped, as she glanced out of the window
at the teams drawn up before the church. "Can't you force the door,
Daniel?"

"No. It would take a blacksmith to do that. And, besides, I wouldn't
allow it for any consideration. It would be terrible."