“So far, then, We have determined. On other matters We shall take counsel immediately; but it is Our wish that these words shall be communicated to all the world, that there may be no delay in making known what it is that Christ through His Vicar asks of all who profess the Divine Name. We offer no rewards except those which God Himself has promised to those that love Him, and lay down their life for Him; no promise of peace, save of that which passeth understanding; no home save that which befits pilgrims and sojourners who seek a City to come; no honour save the world’s contempt; no life, save that which is hid with Christ in God.” CHAPTER IV I Oliver Brand, seated in his little private room at Whitehall, was expecting a visitor. It was already close upon ten o’clock, and at half-past he must be in the House. He had hoped that Mr. Francis, whoever he might be, would not detain him long. Even now, every moment was a respite, for the work had become simply prodigious during the last weeks. But he was not reprieved for more than a minute, for the last boom from the Victoria Tower had scarcely ceased to throb when the door opened and a clerkly voice uttered the name he was expecting. Oliver shot one quick look at the stranger, at his drooping lids and down-turned mouth, summed him up fairly and accurately in the moments during which they seated themselves, and went briskly to business. “At twenty-five minutes past, sir, I must leave this room,” he said. “Until then---” he made a little gesture. Mr. Francis reassured him. “Thank you, Mr. Brand--that is ample time. Then, if you will excuse me---” He groped in his breast-pocket, and drew out a long envelope. “I will leave this with you,” he said, “when I go. It sets out our desires at length and our names. And this is what I have to say, sir.” He sat back, crossed his legs, and went on, with a touch of eagerness in his voice. “I am a kind of deputation, as you know,” he said. “We have something both to ask and to offer. I am chosen because it was my own idea. First, may I ask a question?” Oliver bowed. “I wish to ask nothing that I ought not. But I believe it is practically certain, is it not?--that Divine Worship is to be restored throughout the kingdom?” Oliver smiled. “I suppose so,” he said. “The bill has been read for the third time, and, as you know, the President is to speak upon it this evening.” “He will not veto it?” “We suppose not. He has assented to it in Germany.” “Just so,” said Mr. Francis. “And if he assents here, I suppose it will become law immediately.” Oliver leaned over this table, and drew out the green paper that contained the Bill. “You have this, of course---” he said. “Well, it becomes law at once; and the first feast will be observed on the first of October. ‘Paternity,’ is it not? Yes, Paternity.” “There will be something of a rush then,” said the other eagerly. “Why, that is only a week hence.”