“Well, Thomas, you see that virtue is sometimes rewarded even in this world. It is a great blessing to me to think that everything I desired has come about. Winnie is to marry a man who will make her an excellent husband, and she will occupy a position which she cannot fail to adorn. While as for myself I am removing to a sphere where such poor abilities as Providence has endowed me with, will have a fuller scope. I confess that I am gratified, not only for myself, but for the honour which has befallen our house. I cannot help regretting that my dear father is not alive to see this day. I need not say, Thomas, that I shall always be pleased to see you at Sheffield. I am convinced that the golf-links are excellent, and the poor hospitality of the Palace will ever be at the command of the head of my family.”
“Theodore, I shouldn’t like to be a rebellious parson in your diocese,” said Lord Spratte, gravely. “You’ll make it very hot for any one who don’t act accordin’ to your lights.”
“I shall not forget the watchwords of our house, which have ever been Advance and Progress. To these I shall now add: ‘Discipline.’ But really we should go down to dinner.”
Lady Sophia thought it high time, for she had a healthy appetite. But at that instant came another interruption. Ponsonby entered the room.
“A gentleman wishes to see you, sir,” he said, handing a card to the Canon.
“Oh, I can see no one at this hour. I can’t keep dinner waiting a moment longer.”
“I told him you could see nobody, sir,” answered Ponsonby, “but the gentleman said he came from the Daily Mail.”
“That certainly makes a difference,” said the Canon, taking the card.
“That’s what I thought, sir. He said he would be very much obliged if you could grant him a short interview.”
“Say I shall be very happy, Ponsonby, and show him into my study.”