"His wife would make a splendid duchess."
"In looks, I have no doubt. But with fifty thousand a year and a great position, she and Jim would do good to neither God nor man."
"Lady James Kaimes seems very kind," observed Joan, timidly.
"It's all seeming. Of real, true, self-sacrificing kindness she knows absolutely nothing."
"But she is so beautiful, Lionel."
"So was Jezebel, I expect."
"Oh, Lionel!"
"Oh, Joan!" he mimicked. "Don't worry your head over Lady Jim. She will always get on well in this world, though I am very doubtful about her position in the next. Come," he pointed down the incline of the lane, "I'll race you to the bottom."
"We might meet some one."
"I don't care--I'm out for a holiday;" and away flew Lionel down the snowy lane, with his clerical coattails fluttering in the wind.