"The fact is," said the Doctor, after the ladies had withdrawn, and we had filled our glasses with the first bumper of port,--"the fact is, my dear Mount Huxtable, that our parish is in a very curious condition. We are all devoted members of the Church, and yet we are very suspicious of each other. The inhabitants, especially the young lady part of them, have taken such an interest lately in the affairs of the parish, and are so unanimous in enforcing their own wishes, both on me and the churchwardens--not to mention my stanch and kind friends Major M'Turk and Mr Buddle--that we feel as if the revolutionary spirit had extended to this village, and the regular authorities had been deposed by a Committee of Public Safety." "Do they _enforce_ their wishes?" inquired the new curate, with a frown, and laying great emphasis on the word enforce. "Well," replied the Rector, a little puzzled, "that's rather a strong word. Do you think we can call it enforce, Major M'Turk?" "They say they'll do it, and it's done," was the reply of the military commander. "And you, Buddle?" "No; you can't call it enforce," said I; "for they are the meekest, sweetest, and most submissive people I ever met with." "That's right; I'm glad to hear it," said Mount Huxtable. "And do they really succeed in all the efforts they make?" "Not a doubt of it," said the Rector, looking rather confused. "The church is entirely different from what it was a year ago; even the service, by some means or other, has got into quite a different order; I find myself walking about in my surplice, and standing up at doxologies, and sometimes attempting to sing the Jubilate after the second lesson, though I never had a voice, and it does not seem to be set to any particular tune. And, in confidence between ourselves, I think they could make me of any religion they chose." "They're the fittest missionaries for the Mahommedan faith," said Major M'Turk; "such Houris may always count on me for a convert." The Curate sank into silence. "You're not afraid of such antagonists, Mount Huxtable?" inquired the Rector. "I don't think they are at all to be feared as antagonists," he replied, with a smile, as if assured of the victory. And when we looked at his handsome face, and the glow of true orthodox determination that brightened in his eyes, we were all of the same opinion.