“A lady wishes to see you, sir,” said the servant.
“Show her in at once,” said the man’s voice.
Olivia drew back instead of advancing, as the servant made way for her to enter.
“It is Mr. Brander, the clergyman, I wish to see,” said Olivia, hurriedly, in a low voice.
“Oh, yes, ma’am, it’s all right. Mr. Brander is a clergyman,” answered the maid, reassuringly.
Before another word could pass, Mr. Brander himself, hearing a discussion, came to the door. Olivia looked at him in some confusion. It was her unknown friend of the afternoon!
CHAPTER IV.
Olivia’s momentary embarrassment was at once removed by the kindness of Mr. Brander’s greeting.
“Yes, Mr. Brander is a clergyman. I hope you have no prejudice against the cloth,” he said, holding out his hand with a welcoming smile. “It’s not a proper clerical garment, I confess,” he went on, as Olivia’s glance fell instinctively upon the old shooting coat he now wore; “but I flatter myself the collar saves it.”
And he pointed to his orthodox round collar.