Mrs Jonathan was not a little surprised to be greeted by having two letters thrust into her hands, and being requested to read them.

‘This one first, sister-in-law.’

At any other time Mrs Jonathan would have resented the epithet of sister-in-law, but she now swallowed it, and began to read as follows:—­

’MY DEAR ROWLAND,—­I should have written to you earlier, but I could not do so until a question that has been pending ever since you left was decided.  Deputations and round-robins have been issuing from this parish by unanimous consent, and tending to St James’.  For once High Church and Low Church have united in paying you the greatest compliment you can have paid just at present, viz., in requesting the bishop to give you the living of which you have been more than ten years curate.  I believe it is pretty nearly settled that you are to be our new rector, and that I shall have to knock under, and solicit you to continue me in the curacy.  I congratulate you from my heart; so does my wife; so, I am sure, do rich and poor around us.  There never was a more popular presentation.  May God prosper your labours as a rector as He has as curate.

     ’Give our love to my niece, Gladys, and kind regards to all the
     rest of your family, with a kiss to Minette, and believe me, most
     faithfully yours,

     WILLIAM JONES.’

Mrs Jonathan Prothero had begun to read this letter with a firm voice.  It faltered before she got half way through it, and nearly failed before she completed it.

‘Read the other before you say anything,’ said Mr Prothero.

She began accordingly, clearing her throat and eyes at the same time.

’MY DEAR SIR,—­I have great pleasure in offering you the living of which you are now curate, vacant by the lamented death of Mr Stephenson.  I assure you that the united request of your friends and parishioners was but the echo of my own will, as I have long known and appreciated your untiring labours for the good of the souls committed to your care, particularly during the long illness of the rector, when you were of necessity brought more prominently forward.

     ’Praying that God’s blessing may rest on you and your
     parishioners,—­I remain, my dear sir, faithfully yours,

     ‘LONDON.’

‘Rowland! my dear nephew!’ exclaimed Mr Jonathan Prothero, ’this is incredible!  Such a living, without interest, personal application, much acquaintance with his lordship—­’

‘You forget, my dear,’ said Mrs Jonathan interrupting her husband in his speech, and herself in an embrace she was about to give Rowland; ’you forget that Rowland frequently met the bishop at Sir Philip Payne Perry’s, and was not without interest, I am proud to say.’

‘And I am proud that he has got on by honest merit,’ said Mr Jonathan.

‘And so am I, uncle, much obliged as we are to the “three green peas,"’ said Owen.  ’Let us shake hands upon it, Rowly, and here’s Gladys waiting for a kiss; she’ll be running away from me again to be your district visitor, or Sister of Charity, or whatever you call it.  Quite grand to have a near relation a London rector; I am half a foot taller already.’