“We shall keep you but a few minutes,” declared Mrs. Bradley.
But Barry looked up with startled eyes and exclaimed:
“Oh, I’m sure Jane is in no haste. It’s—nothing important. She needn’t wait. Let her come back later.”
But the maid had already disappeared, and Mr. Farrar made no effort to modify the message sent to his waiting guest.
“What I came for,” said Mrs. Bradley, “is to tell you that in my judgment the time has come for you to drop your fight against the opposing forces in your church, and make terms with your vestry.”
“Mrs. Bradley! Why do you come to me with that message? You have been one of my most valiant supporters.”
“Because they are going to crush you unless you yield. Your church is already on the way to destruction.”
“That’s treason, Mrs. Bradley. Have you changed your opinion about the righteousness of my cause?”
“Not in the slightest degree.”
“And do you think then that God will permit unrighteousness to prevail?”