But her sole answer was to take my arm; and so we walked towards the
Swanspond.

"I suppose that's what they call Broad Church," said the colonel.

"Generally speaking, I prefer breadth," I answered, vaguely. "Do you think that's Broad Church?"

"Oh! I don't know. I suppose it's all right. He ran me through, anyhow."

"I hope it is all right," I answered. "It suits me."

"Well, I'm sure you know ten times better than I do. He seems a right sort of man, whatever sort of clergyman he may be."

"Who is he—can you tell me?"

"Why, don't you know? That's our new curate, Mr. Armstrong."

"Curate!" I exclaimed. "A man like that! And at his years too! He must be forty. You astonish me!"

"Well, I don't know. He may be forty. He is our curate; that is all I can answer for."