"Then all four children are illegitimate!"
"Oh, that would be joyful!" cried Mrs. Lewknor with a little titter.
It was the great moment of the Reverend Spink's life.
"She married some yeahs ago," he continued, so well-pleased with the cumulative effect of the impression he was making, as even to venture an imitation of the Archdeacon's accent. "And her husband is still alive."
Mrs. Lewknor challenged swiftly.
"Where did she marry?" she asked, lest another question should be asked first: for the honour of the regiment was involved.
"At the Registrar's Office, Lewes."
"When?"
"September 14th, 1906."
The man had his story pat enough to be sure.