"Well may you ask that. But the answer's easy. Because 'tis part of my character to seek for it, Rupert. Character be stronger than reason's self, if you can understand that. I seek because I'm driven." "You might find it after all, uncle. There must be such a thing--else there'd be no word for it." The older sighed. "A young and hopeful fashion of thought," he said. "But you're out there. Men have made up words for many a fine, fancied thing their hearts long for; but the word is all--stillborn out of poor human hope." He brooded deep into his own soul upon this thought and spoke little more that day. But Mark was waiting for his dinner when they returned, and he and Rupert found themes in common to occupy them through the meal. The great project of the new vicar chiefly supplied conversation. Rupert felt indifferent, but Mark was much interested. "I'm very willing to lend a hand all I can, and I expect the parish will support it," he said. "But as for play-acting myself, and taking a part, I wouldn't for all the world. It beats me how anybody can get up on a platform and speak a speech afore his fellow-creatures assembled." "The girls will like it," foretold Rupert. "Cora Lintern is to play a part," declared Mark; "and no doubt she'll do it amazing well." Rupert was up in arms at once. "I should think they'll ask Milly Luscombe too. She's got more wits than any of 'em." "She may have as much as Cora, but not more, I can assure you of that," answered Mark firmly. He rarely contradicted a statement or opposed an assertion; but upon this great subject his courage was colossal. CHAPTER VIII Mr. Masterman and his sister made more friends than enemies. The man's good-nature and energy attracted his parishioners; while Miss Masterman, though not genial, was sincere. A certain number followed the party of Mr. Gollop and Eliza, yet, as time passed, it diminished. The surplices arrived; the girls were turned out of the choir; but the heavens did not fall. Even the Nonconformists of Shaugh Prior regarded the young vicar with friendliness, and when he called a meeting at the parish room, Mr. Nathan Baskerville and others who stood for dissent, attended it in an amiable spirit. Rumours as to the nature of the proposition had leaked out, and they were vague; but a very general interest had been excited, and when the evening came the vicar, his churchwardens, and friends, found a considerable company assembled.