Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/123

 party saw a strange sight. Approaching across the garden came the irreproachable Mrs. Crompton, hatless, bespattered with mud, wading along through the wet grass; behind came The Parson, a large straw hat hanging limply about his neck. They laughed and "squashed" along through the water, apparently oblivious of onlookers.

"Mon Dieu, Nan!" 'cried Mrs. Martin, as they came up, "where have you been?"

"Fishing," replied that lady.

"Catch anything, Parson?" asked Tony.

The Parson put down his burdens and faced them all boyishly. "Yes, dearly beloved; I caught a wife."

But Mrs. Crompton was nowhere to be seen.