compare--oh, not at all--of course I should never discuss a lady's worth,
as it were. I spoke in confidence; I merely wondered what your opinion
might be--not"--cried Mr. Denner, bursting into a cold perspiration of
fright to see how far his embarrassment had betrayed him--"not that I
really care to know! Oh, not at all!"

The rector flung his head back, and his rollicking laugh jarred the very
papers on Mr. Denner's desk.

"It is just as well you don't, for I am sure I could not say. I respect
them both immensely. I have from boyhood," he added, with a droll look.

Mr. Denner coughed nervously.

"It is not of the slightest consequence," he explained,--"not the
slightest. I spoke thoughtlessly; ah--unadvisedly."

"Of course, of course; I understand," cried the rector, and forbore to
add a good-natured jest at Mr. Denner's embarrassment, which was really
painful.

But when he was well out of hearing, he could not restrain a series of
chuckles.

"By Jove!" he cried, clapping his thigh, "Denner!--Denner and Miss
Deborah! Bless my soul,--Denner!"

His mirth, however, did not last long; some immediate annoyances of his
own forced themselves into his mind.