"Forgive me, darling," he said, placing his arm tenderly about her. "I have wronged you and all my dear friends. But, oh, the blow is so sudden! I hardly know what to think. What can I do?"
For over an hour they sat there and discussed the matter. As Mr. Larkins at length rose to go, he looked into Parson John's face so drawn and white, and almost cursed the wretches who had brought such trouble upon that hoary head.
Chapter XX
The Overseer
The service at the parish church Sunday morning was largely attended. Word had spread rapidly that the Bishop would arrive during the week, and it was confidently expected that the parson would touch on the question from the pulpit.
"Guess we'll git something to-day," one man remarked to another, near the church door.
"Y'bet," was the brief response.
"D'ye think the parson will say anything about old Billy?"
"Mebbe he will, an' mebbe he won't."
"But I think he will. The parson likes to hit from the pulpit when no one kin hit back."