"You consent to the truce, at any rate?"
"No, no!" muttered old Warboise.
Copas turned a deaf ear.
"I vote for the truce," he said firmly, "provided the one condition be understood. It is the status quo ante so far as concerns us Protestants, and covers the whole field. For example, at the Sacrament we receive the elements in the form which life-long use has consecrated for us, allowing the wafer to be given to those Brethren who prefer it. Will the Master consent to this?"
Master Blanchminster was about to answer, but first (it was somewhat pitiful to see) turned to Mr. Colt. Mr. Colt bent his head in assent.
"That is granted," said the Master.
"Nor would we deny the use of Confession to those who find solace in it—"
"Yes, we would," growled Brother Warboise.
"—Provided always," pursued Copas, "that its use be not thrust upon us, nor our avoidance of it injuriously reckoned against us."
"I think," said the Master, "Brother Copas knows that on this point he may count upon an honourable understanding."