'That article was Peak's?' Buckland asked, in a very quiet voice.
Christian at last found his opportunity.
'He never mentioned it to you? Perhaps he thought he had gone rather too far in his Broad Churchism, and might be misunderstood.'
'Broad Churchism?' cried Malkin. 'Uncommonly broad, I must say!'
And he laughed heartily; Marcella seemed to join in his mirth.
'Then it would surprise you,' said Buckland, in the same quiet tone as before, 'to hear that Peak is about to take Orders?'
'Orders?—For what?'
Christian laughed. The worst was over; after all, it came as a relief.
'Not for wines,' he replied. 'Mr. Warricombe means that Peak is going to be ordained.'
Malkin's amazement rendered him speechless. He stared from one person to another, his features strangely distorted.