It may be well to say here, that Mr. Watson had never heard, as yet, anything prejudicial to his Minister. He, with the whole Church, seemed to think highly of him, and to be satisfied with him in all respects.
“How is he liked?” inquired Mr. Webster.
“I, for one, like him very much,” said Mr. Watson; “and I think all that have heard him do.”
“I hope you may always like him; but if all that is said about him be true, I think you won’t like him long. In fact, I should not like him at all.”
“Mr. Webster, what have you to say against Mr. Good?”
“I have nothing to say, but others have. My information has come from other people, and people, too, on whom I can rely.”
Mr. Watson very naturally began to feel rather curious to learn the meaning of these innuendoes. He did not know but all that Mr. Webster had heard was perfectly correct; because he thought it quite possible for Mr. Good to satisfy them for a few weeks and not for years. He was a stranger among them, and when he should be more fully known it may be that he would not prove to be what he now seemed. He began to reason, and then to doubt and suspect.
“What have you heard of Mr. Good?” asked Mr. Watson.
“I will tell you. I am told that he was at Stukely only a few months, when the people resolved to dismiss him from their Church.”
“Indeed!” said Mr. Watson, with astonishment.