- veyed Mr. Hibbs defiantly as that worthy citizen
poked the plate at him. This duello between Mr. Hibbs and Colonel Berkeley occurred every collection Sunday, to the edification of the congregation. After holding the plate before the Colonel for a considerable time, Mr. Hibbs moved off—a time that seemed interminable to Olivia, blushing furiously in the corner of the pew.
After church the congregation streamed out, and according to the country custom, the people stopped to talk in the churchyard. Colonel Berkeley marched up to Mr. Cole, and put something in his hand.
"There, Cole," he remarked, "I wouldn't put anything in the plate when that ruffian of a vestry-*man of yours poked it under my nose. But I doubled my contribution, and I'll thank you to put it with the rest."
"Certainly, Colonel," answered Mr. Cole—"but Christian charity—"
"Christian charity be hanged, sir. I'm a Christian and a churchman, but I prefer Christian gentlemen to Methodist upstarts. Whether I go to heaven or the other place either, damme, I propose to go in good company."
"This will go to the missionary fund for India, Colonel."
"Ha! ha! I'd like to see one of you callow young clergymen tackle a Brahmin in India. By Jove. It would be fun—for the Brahmin!"
Colonel Berkeley had no mind to let Mr. Cole
