“Yes, I should be glad to hear.”
“Well,” he said cynically, “my honest conviction about our new vicar is that he is a conceited, self-sufficient University prig, stuffed full of classics, and no more suited to manage the people of these parts than that rather obtrusive, stubborn-looking gentleman, Trethick, is to make his way amongst our miners. They will both come to grief.”
“Do you think so?”
“Undoubtedly. One will stay three months, and then exchange; the other three weeks, and then probably go abroad.”
“Am I to take that as a prophecy?” said Rhoda, smiling.
“Yes; and mark its fulfilment,” he replied, trying to speak lightly.
“I think differently,” said Rhoda. “As to Mr Lee, I will hazard no conjecture; but Mr Trethick seems to me the kind of man who will force his way by sheer energy.”
Tregenna’s eyes glistened as he watched the face before him with jealous suspicion, but it was as placid and emotionless as could be.
“Do you think so?”
“I do indeed,” replied Rhoda.