"Take me home," he whispered to his wife, who hung over him in a terror as great as her love for him at that moment. A carriage was called and he was taken home. The doctor remained until Philip was fully conscious. "It was very warm and I was very tired, and I fainted, eh, doctor? First time I ever did such a thing in my life. I am ashamed; I spoiled the service." Philip uttered this slowly and feebly, when at last he had recovered enough to knew where he was. The doctor looked at him suspiciously. "You never fainted before, eh? Well, if I were you I would take care not to faint again. Take good care of him, Mrs. Strong. He needs rest. Milton could spare a dozen bad men like me better than one like the Dominie." "Doctor!" cried Mrs. Strong, in sudden fear, "what is the matter? Is this serious?" "Not at all. But men like your husband are in need of watching. Take good care of him." "Good care of him! Doctor, he will not mind me! I wanted him to stay at home to-night, but he wouldn't." "Then put a chain and padlock on him, and hold him in!" growled the surgeon. He prescribed a medicine and went away assuring Mrs. Strong that Philip would feel much better in the morning. The surgeon's prediction came true. Philip found himself weak the next day, but able to get about. In reply to numerous calls of inquiry for the minister, Mrs. Strong was able to report that he was much better. About eleven o'clock, when the postman called, Philip was in his study lying on his lounge. His wife brought up two letters. One of them was from his old chum; he read that first. He then laid it down and opened the other. At that moment Mrs. Strong was called downstairs by a ring at the door. When she had answered it she came upstairs again. As she came into the room, she was surprised at the queer look on Philip's face. Without a word he handed her the letter he had just opened, and with the same look, watched her face as she read it. CHAPTER XVII. The letter which Philip had received, and which his wife now read, was as follows: REV. PHILIP STRONG, Pastor Calvary Church, Milton: