"Oh, no, thanks; I'm not the man to desert from the field of battle."
Mrs. Jackson sighed.
"Things never come right in this world. That's what I always say; the clergy are continually doing deeds of heroism which the world never hears anything about."
The curate went to Primpton House and inquired whether he might see Captain Parsons.
"I'll go and ask if he's well enough," answered the Colonel, with his admirable respect for the cloth.
"Do you think he wants to talk to me about my soul?" asked James, smiling.
"I don't know; but I think you'd better see him."
"Very well."
Mr. Dryland came forward and shook hands with James in an ecclesiastical and suave manner, trying to be dignified, as behoved a rejected lover in the presence of his rival, and at the same time cordial, as befitted a Christian who could bear no malice.
"Captain Parsons, you will not be unaware that I asked Miss Clibborn to be my wife?"