"But he is so good--so pious. Why should I wish to withhold him from the joys for which he is so ripe?"
Mrs. Nailor laughed.
"You are a sinner," she declared.
"We are all miserable sinners," he replied. "Have you seen the Yorkes lately?"
"No; but I'll be bound you have."
"What do you think of the story about old Lancaster?"
"Oh, I think she'll marry him if mamma can arrange it."
"'Children, obey your parents,'" quoted Mr. Rimmon, with a little smirk as he sidled away.
"He is one of our rising young clergymen, nephew of the noted Dr. Little," explained Mrs. Nailor. "You know of him, of course? A good deal better man than his nephew." This under her breath. "He is his uncle's assistant and is waiting to step into his shoes. He wants to marry your friend, Alice Yorke. He is sure of his uncle's church if flattery can secure it."
Just then several ladies passed near them, and Mrs. Nailor, seeing an opportunity to impart further knowledge, with a slight nod moved off to scatter her information and inquiries, and Keith, having made his adieus to Mrs. Wentworth, withdrew. He was not in a happy frame of mind over what he had heard.