“I could see at once,” he said, “that his Lordship was put out. He had a very worried look. Somebody must have told him about the attitude of the people here.”
“Perhaps he has something else to worry about besides this parish.”
“Oh no! He seemed full of it, of the parish, I mean. He spoke of nothing else all the time I was with him.”
“And did he make any suggestions?”
“He was most kind, most kind; and very interested, but——”
“Yes?”
“I don’t at all wish to be misunderstood, or to seem in any way wanting in respect for his Lordship, but I cannot honestly say that he was very helpful.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“No, I really would not call his advice helpful. He seems to share your view that scientific organisation in parochial affairs is not universally applicable.”
“Good heavens! I never said that!”