“Then will you kindly see to it, sir, that they are drawn up in proper array, to sing their songs of welcome and throw their flowers before the bridal pair?” “Where will they get flowers at this season of the year?” “Oh!—a—from the conservatories of the Hall, if from no other place. I will see that they are sent over to the schoolroom. I think, also, that many of the cottagers have a few late flowers in their gardens, such as chrysanthemums and dahlias and——” “And do you think, Mr. Prowt, that because a newly married pair happens to be happy and prosperous, that living and blooming flowers should be torn from their warm conservatories and sunny gardens, to be thrown down in the dirt to perish under carriage wheels, in their honor? I don’t.” “Why, minister, I never heard of such an objection!” said the astonished bailiff. “Well, you hear it now. And it might be well for you to think of it. The custom is a barbarous one, suitable only to prehistoric savages.” The bailiff stared. “And now, Mr. Prowt, I wish to say this to you—with the kindest feelings toward yourself, and with sincere regret that I must disappoint you—that I cannot and will not allow the church bells to be rung, or the parish children to parade, or any single movement to be made in honor of this incoming bridal pair which it is in my power to prevent,” said the minister, all the more firmly because so quietly. The bailiff stared in silence, too astonished to speak for a minute. Then he demanded: “But why, in the name of Heaven, reverend sir, would you put such an affront upon the new squire and his bride?” “I put no affront upon them. I simply decline to show them any honor whatever, or to allow any one under my authority to do so,” emphatically responded the minister. “But this is most amazing, sir. Why, if you please, do you refuse to honor them?” “Because I cannot and must not.” “Yet, about three months ago, when there was first a talk of the new squire bringing home his bride, there was no one more interested than yourself.” “That is true. But since that date circumstances have come to my knowledge that have changed all my views, and must change all my actions, toward the incoming squire and his—lady; circumstances that quite justify me in my present course of conduct.” “May I ask your reverence what those circumstances are?” “Not yet, Prowt. I cannot tell you. To-morrow or next day the whole parish may know.” “Well, I am perplexed. But, reverend sir, I must at least do my duty, and go over to the Hall to give directions there for the proper reception of the new squire, and send the carriage and servants to meet them. It is nine o’clock now, and they really ought to be off. I hope you do not blame me, sir, for doing my part.” “Certainly not. You must do your duty by your employer,” said Mr. Campbell kindly. “Good-morning, sir,” said the bailiff, taking up his hat to go. “Good-day, Mr. Prowt,” replied the minister.