"How do you do, Mr. Walden?"
A glance showed the speaker to be Mr. Marius Longford, and he responded with brief courtesy.
"Permit me"—continued Mr. Longford—"to introduce you to Lord
Roxmouth!"
Walden bowed stiffly.
"I must congratulate you on the beauty of your church, Mr. Walden,"- -said Roxmouth, with his usual conventional smile—"I have never seen a finer piece of work. It is not so much a restoration as a creation."
Walden said nothing. He did not particularly care for compliments from Lord Roxmouth.
"That sarcophagus,"—continued his lordship—"was a very singular 'find.' I suppose you have no clue to the possible identity of the saint or sinner whose ashes repose within it?"
"None,"—replied Walden—"Something might probably be discovered if the casket were opened. But that will never happen during my lifetime."
"You would consider it sacrilege, no doubt?" queried Roxmouth, with a tolerant air.
"I should, most certainly!"