The Rector, quick to note opposition, repeated emphatically:
“More than surprised; in fact, I think there must be some mistake.”
“Indeed?” said Gregory again.
A change came over Mr. Barter's face. It had been grave, but was now heavy and threatening.
“I have to say to you,” he said, “that somehow—somehow, this divorce must be put a stop to.”
Gregory flushed painfully.
“On what grounds? I am not aware that my ward is a parishioner of yours, Mr. Barter, or that if she were——”
The Rector closed in on him, his head thrust forward, his lower lip projecting.
“If she were doing her duty,” he said, “she would be. I'm not considering her— I'm considering her husband; he is a parishioner of mine, and I say this divorce must be stopped.”
Gregory retreated no longer.