“Now here,” he said, “we have the old sanctuary of the abbey.  In the place of the reredos and Communion table there will be erected the large altar of which the ritual speaks, with the steps leading up to it from the floor.  Behind the altar—­extending almost to the old shrine of the Confessor—­will stand the pedestal with the emblematic figure upon it; and—­so far as I understand from the absence of directions—­each such figure will remain in place until the eve of the next quarterly feast.”

“What kind of figure?” put in the girl.

Francis glanced at her husband.

“I understand that Mr. Markenheim has been consulted,” he said.  “He will design and execute them.  Each is to represent its own feast.  This for Paternity—–­”

He paused again.

“Yes, Mr. Francis?”

“This one, I understand, is to be the naked figure of a man.”

“A kind of Apollo—­or Jupiter, my dear,” put in Oliver.

Yes—­that seemed all right, thought Mabel.  Mr. Francis’s voice moved on hastily.

“A new procession enters at this point, after the discourse,” he said.  “It is this that will need special marshalling.  I suppose no rehearsal will be possible?”

“Scarcely,” said Oliver, smiling.

The Master of Ceremonies sighed.

“I feared not.  Then we must issue very precise printed instructions.  Those who take part will withdraw, I imagine, during the hymn, to the old chapel of St. Faith.  That is what seems to me the best.”

He indicated the chapel.

“After the entrance of the procession all will take their places on these two sides—­here—­and here—­while the celebrant with the sacred ministers—–­”

“Eh?”

Mr. Francis permitted a slight grimace to appear on his face; he flushed a little.

“The President of Europe—–­” He broke off.  “Ah! that is the point.  Will the President take part?  That is not made clear in the ritual.”

“We think so,” said Oliver.  “He is to be approached.”

“Well, if not, I suppose the Minister of Public Worship will officiate.  He with his supporters pass straight up to the foot of the altar.  Remember that the figure is still veiled, and that the candles have been lighted during the approach of the procession.  There follow the Aspirations printed in the ritual with the responds.  These are sung by the choir, and will be most impressive, I think.  Then the officiant ascends the altar alone, and, standing, declaims the Address, as it is called.  At the close of it—­at the point, that is to say, marked here with a star, the thurifers will leave the chapel, four in number.  One ascends the altar, leaving the others swinging their thurifers at its foot—­hands his to the officiant and retires.  Upon the sounding of a bell the curtains are drawn back, the officiant tenses the image in silence with four double swings, and, as he ceases the choir sings the appointed antiphon.”