alone. He met them in the hall and took them into his study.
"Miss Chichester has an errand," said Barry, "that she wishes to dispose of, and when she's through I have something on my own mind that I want to talk about."
"Oh, no, Barry!" cried Miss Chichester. "You're entitled to the first hearing. Your errand is so much more important than mine."
"Shall I act as umpire?" inquired the rector.
"No," replied Barry. "It doesn't make much difference. I'll say what I want to and get through and get out. Why, you know, I came up to see you about—about that little trouble at the vestry meeting last night."
"How did you know that there was trouble?"
"Oh, it came to me pretty straight," replied Barry.
"Everybody knows it," added Miss Chichester.
"The vestry should have been more discreet," said the rector. "But no matter. What is it you wish to say about the meeting?"
"I want to say," replied Barry, "that I heartily disapprove of disturbances of that kind in a vestry meeting."
"I'm glad to hear you say so. So do I." The rector smiled as he spoke, and nodded his approval.
"Yes," continued Barry. "A vestry should always act harmoniously, I may say unanimously. There should, however, be a strong hand to guide them. I'm inclined to stand for election to the vestry myself, next Easter. I think I could be of a good deal of service."
"That's a splendid idea," assented Miss Chichester. "Barry has such excellent judgment."
"Yes; thank you, Jane. But," continued Barry, "I understand that the disturbance was brought on by your advocating free pews. Now, you know, Farrar, it would never do to have free pews in Christ Church."
"Don't you think so?"
"Of course not. Just imagine who might come and
