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‘She is at her mother’s—temporarily. I have come home rather in a hurry because I’ve decided to go to Brazil.’

‘Brazil! Why they are all Roman Catholics there, surely!

‘Are they? I hadn’t thought of that.’

But even the novelty and painfulness of his going to a Papistical land could not displace for long Mr. and Mrs. Clare’s natural interest in their son’s marriage.

‘We had your brief note three weeks ago announcing that it had taken place,’ said Mrs. Clare, ‘and your father sent your godmother’s gift to her, as you know. Of course it was best that none of us should be present, especially as you preferred to marry her from the dairy, and not at her home, wherever that may be. It would have embarrassed you, and given us no pleasure. Your brothers felt that very strongly. Now it is done we do not complain, particularly if she suits you for the business you have chosen to follow, instead of the ministry of the Gospel. . . . Yet I wish I could have seen her first, Angel, or have known a little more about her. We sent her no present of our own, not knowing what would