"The devil," Douglas assisted as Dr. Rannage paused. "You might as well say it as think it. If telling the truth, and telling it plainly is being ugly, then I plead guilty. I question if what I have said will be of any benefit to you, but it has done a great deal of good to me. It has somewhat relieved my mind, and that is worth something."
"You will relieve my mind, if you will go," Dr. Rannage retorted. "It is absolutely ridiculous that I should be talked to in this manner, especially after what I have done for you."
"Oh, you mean this?" and Douglas glanced at the cheque. "Well, then, I wish to show you and the members of the vestry how I value such, ahem, appreciation. Look!"
Holding the cheque up with both hands, he deliberately tore it into bits, and then, crossing the room, he threw the pieces into the fireplace.
"There, I feel better now," he quietly remarked. "So, good-night."
Before Dr. Rannage could recover from his astonishment, the study door opened and closed, and Douglas Stanton was gone.
CHAPTER IV
SECRET PLANS
"Hello! what's the rush?"
Douglas Stanton stopped short, and a smile overspread his face as he turned it upon the beaming countenance of the man standing before him.