It is strange the hold these superstitions have on all of us; though surely future ages will outgrow such childishness.
"I don't know what the prophecy means," said she; "yet one thing at least would seem needful for its fulfilment--that Mr Dale should become acquainted with the King." "True!" cried the Vicar eagerly.

"Everything stands on that, and on that we stick.

For Simon cannot love where the King loves, nor know what the King hides, nor drink of the King's cup, if he abide all his days here in Hatchstead.

Come, Simon, the plague is gone!" "Should I then be gone too ?" I asked.

"But to what end?
I have no friends in London who would bring me to the notice of the King." The Vicar shook his head sadly.