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THE LUNATIC AT LARGE
189

"But why—I mean, have you really changed your name?"

"Circumstances have changed it, just as circumstances shaved me."

Lady Alicia made a great endeavor to look haughty. "I do not quite understand, Mr.——"

"Bunker—a temporary title, but suggestive, and simple for the tradesmen."

"I do not understand your conduct. Why have you changed your name?"

"Why not?"

This retort was so evidently unanswerable that Lady Alicia changed her inquiry.

"Where have you been?"

"Till yesterday, in London."

"Then you didn't go to your own parish?" she demanded, reproachfully.

"There were difficulties," he replied; "in fact, a certified lunatic is not in great demand as a parish priest. They seem to prefer them un-certified."

"But didn't you try?"

"Hard, but it was no use. The bishop was out of town, and I had to wait till his return; besides, my position was somewhat insecure. I