But perhaps the most striking example of Sir
Jacques's good sense and thoroughness occurred after
Sir John had been to the Deanery.

Dr. Haworth had fallen in with every suggestion
with the most eager, ready sympathy; and Sir John,
who before coming to Witanbury had regarded him
as a pacifist and pro-German, had come really to like
and respect him. So it was that now, as he came back
from the Deanery, and up to the gate of the Trellis
House, he was in a softer, more yielding mood than
usual.

Sir Jacques hurried out to meet him. "Is everything
all right?"

"Yes -- everything's settled. But it's your responsibility,
not mine!"

"I've been wondering, Sir John, whether the Dean
reminded you that we shall require a wedding ring?"

"No, he did not." Sir John Blake looked rather
taken aback. "I wonder what I'd better do?" he muttered
helplessly.

"You and Lady Blake had better go into the town
and buy one," said Sir Jacques. "I don't feel that
we can put _that_ job on poor little Rose. She's had
quite enough to do as it is -- and gallantly she's done
it!"

And as Sir John began to look cross and undecided,
the other said with a touch of sharpness, "Of course
if you'd rather not do it, I'll buy the ring myself.
But I've been neglecting my work this morning."

Ashamed of his ungraciousness, as the other had
meant him to be, Sir John said hastily, "Of course
I'll get it! I was only wondering whether I hadn't
better go alone."

[[260]]

p259 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p260w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p261

v?