“What do you think of this baseness, reverend sir?” inquired Mr. Force.
“It may be premature to judge before all the evidence is in, but it seems as if your late guest is an impostor, if not a criminal.”
“I feel sure that there can be no doubt upon that subject.”
“If I can be of any service, pray command me at any time,” said the rector.
“I thank you very much. I think I will have to trouble you with two commissions. First, to tell our friends in there that, under existing circumstances, there can be no reception at our house to-day.”
“I will do so.”
“And, also, I must ask you to telegraph to St. Sebastian, as the woman advised, for further proof of her claim. Here is my pocketbook. Don’t spare it in the cause. Could you spare an hour or two to come up to my house to-morrow?” inquired Mr. Force.
“I will take the time, and make it a point to be there.”
“Come to dinner, if you please, sir. You know our hour,” said Mrs. Force.
“Thank you, madam,” replied the minister, without further committing himself.