One of the ornaments of the mantel was a head of Christ, photographed on china, from Murillo, and held in a large silver frame like a photograph frame.
Just as the vicar had finished reading there came a sudden knock at the door. It startled Gortre, and he moved suddenly. His elbow slid along the marble of the shelf and dislodged the picture, which fell upon the floor and was broken into a hundred pieces, crashing loudly upon the fender.
The housemaid, who had knocked, stood for a moment looking with dismay upon the breakage. Then she turned to the vicar.
"Mr. Schuabe from Mount Prospect to see you, sir," she said. "I've shown him into the drawing-room."
[CHAPTER III]
"I THINK HE IS A GOOD MAN"
The servant had turned on the lights in the drawing room, where a low fire still glowed red upon the hearth, and left Constantine Schuabe alone to await the vicar's arrival.
On either side of the fireplace were heavy hangings of emerald and copper woven stuff, a present to Helena from an uncle, who had bought them at Benares. Schuabe stood motionless before this background.