“No. I simply recognised that you were doing your duty.”
“Which you must admit is the hardest of all things.”
“I take your word for it. From to-day I honour you as a martyr. I was not prepossessed in your favour at all. Forgive me for my stupidity.”
Rosalie’s voice was changed from hot to cold. Miss Crokerly heard it with surprise, and a silence must have fallen had not Sir John, whose mind ranged on different topics, put in suddenly:
“I hear that it is quite true the Great High Priest intends to resign office.”
“I have heard the same thing,” said Mr. Barringcourt. “It is a very unusual occurrence.”
“Did you hear the reason of it?” asked Sir John.
“I believe it has something to do with the Feast of White Souls. The episode was rather unfortunate. A great many are in favour of his resignation.”
“Might I ask your opinion?” said Sir John.
“Yes. I think the Great High Priest should be above scandal, and he is evidently not.”