Westgate knew all this, so it was with no anticipation of a joyful meeting that he called upon her in response to her request.
There was no lack of cordiality in her greeting, but her face bore a look of determination that he had not often seen there. She did not waste time in explaining the purpose of her request.
“I asked you to come,” she said, “because I have learned that it was you who prepared and offered the resolution in the vestry meeting calling for the dismissal of the rector.”
“It was I,” he replied.
“And I wanted to know whether you acted solely in the belief that it would be for the good of the church to have him go, or whether you were actuated by some other motive.”
“I will tell you frankly. I had two motives for my conduct. In the first place I believed, and still believe, that I was acting for the best interests of Christ Church. In the second place it is my desire to secure Mr. Farrar’s removal from this community so that you shall be outside the sphere of his influence.”
“Why do you wish that?”
She did not seem to be surprised or vexed at the outspoken declaration of his purpose.
“Because,” he replied, “I want to give you an opportunity to be restored to mental health; and I want to give myself an opportunity to regain so much of your confidence and affection as I have already lost.”