"I suppose it has," said the minister, with a manner which would have puzzled any but one that knew him, to tell whether he were in jest or earnest. "I suppose it has. But you may not find them. Or by the time you do, you may have lost your bait. Or you may be tired of fishing. Or it may be time to go home." "I am never tired," said Knowlton, springing up; "and I have got a guide that will not let me miss my way." "You are fortunate," said the other. "And I will not occupy your time. Good afternoon! I shall hope to see more of you." With a warm grasp of the young officer's hand, and lifting his hat to Diana, the minister went on his way. Diana looked after him, wondering why he had not shaken hands with her too. It was something she was a little sorry to miss. "Who is that?" Knowlton asked. "Mr. Masters? He's our minister." "What sort of a chap is he? Not like all the rest of them?" "How are all the rest of them?" Diana asked. "I declare, I don't know!" said Knowlton. "If I was to tell the truth, I should say they puzzle all my wits. See 'em in one place--and hear 'em--and you would say they thought all the business of this world was of no account, nor the pleasure of it either. See 'em anywhere else, and they are just as much of this world as you are--or as I am, I mean. They change as fast as a chameleon. In the light that comes through a church window, now, they'll be blue enough, and make you think blue's the only wear--or black; but once outside, and they like the colour that comes through a glass of wine or anything also that's jolly. One thing or the other they don't mean--that's plain." "Which do you think they don't mean?" said Diana. "Well, they're two or three hours in church, and the rest of the week outside. I believe what they say the rest of the time." "I don't think Mr. Masters is like that." "What _is_ he like, then?" "I think he means exactly what he says." "Exactly," said the young officer, laughing; "but which part of the time, you know?" "All times. I think he means just the same thing always." "Must see more of him," said Knowlton. "You like him, then, Miss Starling?" Diana did like him, and it was quite her way to say what she thought; yet she did not say it. She had an undefined, shadowy impression that the hearing would not be grateful to her companion. Her reply was a very inconclusive remark, that she had not seen much of Mr. Masters; and an inquiry where Mr. Knowlton meant to fish next.