They got into the "democrat" and started out at a smart trot, but when they came to the road which turned toward Thunder Cliff, Mrs. Burke drove straight across the green. "Why, where are you going, Mrs. Burke?" Maxwell exclaimed. "Well, I thought that maybe Mrs. Betty would like to get a sight of the town before we went home." When they came to the rectory and turned into the yard, the wonderful transformation dawned on Maxwell. "My gracious, what a change! It's perfectly marvelous," he exclaimed. "Why Mrs. Burke, I believe you've brought us here to live!" "Right you are, my friend. This is where you belong." "Well, you certainly do beat the Dutch. Who is responsible for all this, I'd like to know? But of course it's you." "Well, I had a hand in it, but so did the whole parish. Now walk right in and make yourselves at home." Mrs. Burke enjoyed to the full Maxwell's surprise and delight, as he and Mrs. Betty explored the house like a couple of very enthusiastic children. When they got into the china closet and Mrs. Betty found a silver tea-ball she exclaimed rapturously: "Look here, Donald! Did you ever see the like of this? Here is a regular tea-ball. We will have tea every afternoon at four, and Mrs. Burke will be our guest. How perfectly delightful." This remark seemed to please Hepsey mightily, as she exclaimed: "Oh, my, no! Do you want to spoil my nervous system? We are not given much to tea-balls in Durford. We consider ourselves lucky if we get a plain old-fashioned pot. Now you get fixed up," she directed, "while I get supper ready, and I'll stay just this time, if you'll let me, and then if you can stand it, perhaps you'll ask me again." Soon they sat down to a little table covered with spotless linen and a pretty set of white china with gold bands. Maxwell did not say much; he was still too surprised and delighted. [Illustration: "OH WELL, I ALWAYS BELIEVE THAT TWO YOUNG MARRIED PEOPLE SHOULD START OUT BY THEMSELVES, AND THEN IF THEY GET INTO A FAMILY ROW IT WON'T SCANDALIZE THE PARISH"] The broiled chickens and the browned potato balls were placed before Maxwell, who faced Mrs. Betty--Hepsey sitting between them. "Now this is what I call rich," Maxwell exclaimed as he carved. "I hadn't the slightest suspicion that we were to come here and find all these luxuries." "However did the house get furnished?" chimed in Mrs. Betty. "Oh well," Mrs. Burke replied, "I always believe that two young married people should start out by themselves, you know; and then if they get into a family row it won't scandalize the parish. The only new thing about the furnishings is paint and varnish. I drove around and held up the parish, and made them stand and deliver the goods, and Jonathan Jackson and I touched it up a little; that's all." "We ought to acknowledge each gift personally," Maxwell said. "You must tell us who's given what."