“Do you see any good and cogent reason, Mr. MacLear, why this man should not resume his pastoral office?”
“One thing at least I am sure of,” answered the soutar, “—that he is far fitter for it than ever he was in his life before.”
Mr. Robertson repeated this to James the next day, adding—
“And I am certain every one who knows you will vote the restoration of your license!”
“I must speak to Isy about it,” answered James with simplicity.
“That is quite right, of course,” rejoined Mr. Robertson: “you know I tell my wife everything that I am at liberty to tell.”
“Will not some public recognition of my reinstatement be necessary?” suggested James.
“I will have a talk about it with some of the leaders of the synod, and let you know what they say,” answered Mr. Robertson.
“Of course I am ready,” returned Blatherwick, “to make any public confession judged necessary or desirable; but that would involve my wife; and although I know perfectly that she will be ready for anything required of her, it remains not the less my part to do my best to shield her!”
“Of one thing I think you may be sure—that, with our present moderator, your case will be handled with more than delicacy—with tenderness!”