"four." Our experiment had to be postponed; with what result you
shall hear.


About a fortnight later I read in our local paper that the Bishop
had been holding a Confirmation service in Gantick Parish Church.
The paragraph went on to say that "a large and reverent congregation
witnessed the ceremony, but general regret was expressed at the
absence of our respected Vicar through a temporary indisposition.
We are glad to assure our readers that the reverend gentleman is well
on the way to recovery, and indeed has already resumed his
ministration in the parish, where his genial presence and quick
sympathies, etc."

This laid an obligation upon me to walk over to Gantick and inquire
about my old friend's health: which I did that same afternoon.
Mrs. Kendall received me with the information that her husband was
quite well again, and out-and-about; that in fact he had started,
immediately after luncheon, to pay a round of visits on the outskirts
of the parish. On the nature of his late indisposition she showed
herself reticent, not to say "short" in her answers; nor, though the
hour was four o'clock, did she invite me to stay and drink tea with
her.

On my way back, and just within the entrance-gate of the vicarage
drive, I happened on old Trewoon, who works at odd jobs under the
gardener, and was just now busy with a besom, sweeping up the first
fall of autumn leaves. Old Trewoon, I should tell you, is a
Wesleyan, and a Radical of the sardonic sort; and, as a jobbing man,
holds himself free to criticise his employers.