“Yes,” Maxwell replied. “We manage to make ourselves comfortable. Did you wish to see me on business?”
“Oh yes,” the lawyer replied, “a mere technicality. I represent the firm of Bascom & Nelson, or rather I 204 should say I am Mr. Bascom’s legal agent just at present, as I have not yet been admitted as his partner––”
The man stopped, smirked, and evidently relished prolonging his interview with Maxwell, who was getting impatient. Maxwell drew his watch from his pocket, and there was a look in his eyes which made the lawyer proceed:
“The fact is, Rector, that I came to see you on a matter of business about the rectory—as Mr. Bascom’s agent.”
“Will you kindly state it?”
“It concerns the use of this house.”
“In what way? This is the rectory of the church, and the rental of it is part of my salary.”
“You are mistaken. Mr. Bascom owns the house, and you are staying here merely on sufferance.”
For a moment Maxwell was too astonished to speak; then he began:
“Mr. Bascom owns this house? What do you mean? The house is part of the property of the church.”