something--quite different."

He frowned thoughtfully. Decidedly, this matter should be settled
between them at once and for ever. A clergyman, he reflected, must
always be on friendly--even confidential terms with a wide variety of
women. His brief experience had already taught him this much. And a
jealous or unduly suspicious wife might prove a serious handicap to
future success.

"Won't you sit down," he urged. "I--You must allow me to explain.
We--er--must talk this over."

She obeyed him mechanically. All at once she was excessively
frightened at what she had attempted. She knew nothing of the ways of
men; but she felt suddenly sure that he would resent her interference
as an unwarrantable impertinence.

"I thought--if you were going there today--you might take it--to
her," she hesitated. "Or, I could send it. It is a small matter, of
course."

"I think," he said gravely, "that it is a very serious matter."

She interpreted uncertainly the intent gaze of his beautiful, somber
eyes.

"I came here," she faltered, "to--to find a home. I had no wish--"

"I understand," he said, his voice deep and sympathetic; "people have
been talking to you--about me. Am I right?"