SCENE.--_The Chancel of the Minster church of Saint Decuman at Cleveheddon, a beautiful building of Decorated Gothic architecture with signs of recent restoration. The altar and reredos, approached by steps, face the audience, who take up the same position towards it as spectators in the nave would do. Behind the altar a long vista of columns, arches, roof, and stained glass windows. An organ is built in left wall of the chancel at a considerable height. On both sides of the chancel are handsome high carved oak stalls. A large open place in front of the altar steps is flanked on each side by the transepts, which run to right and left of spectators and are filled with chair seats so far as can be seen. A small door in the north wall of the left transept leads to the organ loft. The whole church is most lavishly decorated with banners, hangings, scrolls, and large frescoes, and is smothered with flowers as if in readiness for a church festival. Large brass candlesticks on altar with lighted candles. Time, about nine on an autumn night. An organ voluntary is being played as curtain rises. Enter MICHAEL from transept. He has aged much, is very pale and emaciated. The voluntary ceases and the organ boy, a lad about fifteen, comes from small door in wall of left transept._ WALTER (_carelessly_). Good-night, sir. MICH. (_stopping him, puts his hand on the boy's head_). Good-bye, Walter. (_Pause, still detaining him, with considerable feeling._) Good-bye, my dear lad. (_Sighs, moves away from him. The boy shows slight respectful surprise and exit along transept. The Organist with keys enters from the little door, looks round the church admiringly._) ORGANIST. Everything ready for the ceremony to-morrow? MICH. Yes, I think, everything. ORGANIST. I was just putting the finishing touches to my music. How beautiful the church looks! You must be very proud and happy now your work is complete. MICH. Not quite complete. I've to put the finishing touches to my part--to-morrow. _ANDREW enters rather suddenly from transept._ ANDR. Can I speak to you for a moment? ORGANIST. Good-night. (_Going._) MICH. (_detains him_). Thank you for all you have done for me, and for the church, and for her services. (_Shakes hands warmly. Exit the Organist by transept._) MICH. Well? ANDR. I thought you'd like to know--Mrs. Lesden has come back to Cleveheddon, and she has brought a lady friend with her. MICH. I know. ANDR. You've seen her? (_MICHAEL looks at him with great dignity._) ANDR. I beg your pardon. MICH. I've not seen her. ANDR. I beg your pardon. It's no business of mine. (_Going._) MICH. (_quietly_). Yes, it is business of yours. ANDR. What do you mean? MICH. Haven't you made it the chief business of your life all this last year? ANDR. How? I've kept my word. I've never reminded you of it.