laboured might not be one of suddenly-developed insanity.!

But Mr. Singleton knew his man, and calmly waited until the first shock should subside before proceeding to urge him further. Then he reminded him how many there were, especially among the workingclasses, who, if they found no place of worship open, would probably be tempted to join others in those sinful and irreverent pursuits which lead to the soul-destroying habit of Sabbath desecration.

He also reminded him (of what, indeed, Mr. Fisher was already well aware) that there were numbers who, from the love and respect they bore to himself personally, might hesitate to attend this new chapel from the mistaken idea that it would be displeasing to him.

The conversation only lasted a few minutes, and Mr. Singleton's words were spoken in a feeble, gasping voice; but ere the churchwarden left him, he had promised to do exactly what he wished-not because he was convinced of the judiciousness of the thing, but simply for the sake of humouring

his friend, the Vicar, whom he regarded with the most profound admiration and esteem, and for whom he would have done anything rather than cause him annoyance.

With slow and measured footsteps Mr. Fisher quitted the Vicarage, and wended his way along the village street, entering some of the cottages (the inmates of which he knew would soon proclaim the news to the rest of the neighbourhood), and mentioning what had occurred, and informing his astonished auditors that he had come by Mr. Singleton's express desire, to tell them "that as there could be no service in the parish church that day, he should take it as a personal favour if they would go to the Wesleyan chapel, where they would be sure to hear something good!"

This last was added in a slightly sarcastic tone; but Mr. Fisher flattered himself that, considering the delicacy of his position, he had performed his mission with no little tact and condescension.

"Is the parson very ill, sir?" breathlessly demanded the gossiping beadle, who rushed up to him just as he was leaving one of the cottages.

"Indeed he is, Nelson," replied Mr. Fisher, with a grave shake of the head.

"The people about here are saying he's going to die," anxiously pursued Nelson; "but surely that's not true?"

"I trust not," returned the churchwarden, lowering his voice somewhat as several groups of persons began to pass him on their way to the chapel; "but after this I should be surprised at nothing."

"After what, sir? if I may make bold to ask," queried his companion, gazing inquisitively into his face.

"Pooh! nonsense!" exclaimed Mr. Fisher, testily; "as if you didn't know already! Isn't that your wife "-pointing to a neatlydressed woman who was walking along at some little distance, holding a clean, happylooking child in each hand, while two others followed closely behind "going with the rest of them to the Wesleyan chapel?"

"My wife going to a Methody meetinghouse!" ejaculated the horrified beadle, a storm of righteous indignation gathering on his face. "I'll soon see about that."

He started forward as if to overtake her,

when Mr. Fisher laid his hand lightly on his arm, and said quietly, "Then you really have not heard

And in a few words he showed him how matters stood.

"Well, that is queer, to be sure," remarked Nelson, rubbing his two palms reflectively together. "I can't say I like it" -here he made an unconscious grimace"still, if the parson wishes it, I suppose it'll have to be done. I'd go through fire and water to please him."

Thus saying, he civilly touched his hat to the dignified churchwarden, and then strode swiftly away to his own home; while Mr. Fisher went to meet the doctor, who was rapidly approaching him from an opposite direction.

CHAPTER XXI.

"Let a bond of sacred union
Mark of our religion prove;

And a mutual kind communion
Edify our souls in love :

Sweet resemblance to Thy family above."

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

WHEN Mr. Dixon-the ci-devant shoemaker -entered his chapel that Sunday morning, he gazed around him in absolute bewilderment. Instead of the small handful of persons whom he had been accustomed to see (for there were more Churchmen than Dissenters in those parts), the place was literally crowded even to the steps of the pulpit. He had heard nothing of Mr. Singleton's illness, and was consequently quite at a loss to account for the increased size of his congregation; but one of his own people glided up to him as he entered the building, and whispered a word or two in his ear, whereupon