“You did more than that,” I said; “you tried to get a reward.”

“If you take my advice——” said my mother.

“I will,” said Lalage, “and so will Hilda.”

That threatening statute of Queen Elizabeth’s must have frightened Lalage. I never before knew her so meek.

“Then leave the question of the Archdeacon’s qualifications,” said my mother, “to those who have to elect him.”

“Not to me,” I said hurriedly. “I couldn’t work through that list of Selby-Harrison’s. Try my uncle. Try Lord Thormanby. He’ll like it.”

“There’s one thing——” said Lalage.

“Leave it to the synod,” said my mother.

“Or to Lord Thormanby,” I said.

“Very well,” said Lalage. “I will. But perhaps he won’t care to go into it, and if he doesn’t I shall have to act myself.”