The news spread like wild-fire, and with it the opinion that the curate had vastly distinguished himself. Neither pagan hero nor Christian martyr could have acted more becomingly. The consideration which had once been Jamie's was bodily transferred to Mr. Dryland. He was the man of the hour, and the contemplation of his gallant deed made everyone feel nobler, purer. The curate accepted with quiet satisfaction the homage that was laid at his feet, modestly denying that he had done anything out of the way. With James, all unconscious of what had happened, he was mildly patronising; with Mary, tender, respectful, subdued. If he had been an archbishop, he could not have behaved with greater delicacy, manliness, and decorum. "I don't care what anyone says," cried Mrs. Jackson, "I think he's worth ten Captain Parsons! He's so modest and gentlemanly. Why, Captain Parsons simply used to look bored when one told him he was brave." "He's a conceited creature!" But in Primpton House the proposal was met with consternation. "Suppose she accepted him?" said Colonel Parsons, anxiously. "She'd never do that." Major Forsyth suggested that James should be told, in the belief that his jealousy would be excited. "I'll tell him," said Mrs. Parsons. She waited till she was alone with her son, and then, without stopping her needlework, said suddenly: "James, have you heard that Mr. Dryland has proposed to Mary?" He looked up nonchalantly. "Has she accepted him?" "James!" cried his mother, indignantly, "how can you ask such a question? Have you no respect for her? You must know that for nothing in the world would she be faithless to you." "I should like her to marry the curate. I think it would be a very suitable match." "You need not insult her, James." XVI The tension between James and his parents became not less, but greater. That barrier which, almost from the beginning, they had watched with pain rise up between them now seemed indestructible, and all their efforts only made it more obvious and more stable. It was like some tropical plant which, for being cut down, grew ever with greater luxuriance. And there was a mischievous devil present at all their conversations that made them misunderstand one another as completely as though they spoke in different tongues. Notwithstanding their love, they were like strangers together; they could look at nothing from the same point of view.