“I don’t see why.”
“They might think you would be offended.”
“I should have no right to be offended. I might feel grieved. Indeed I do. But, of course, my first thought must be of the parish, and what is good for it.”
“I knew you would feel that way, Brother Fenwick. We all know what a conscientious man you are.”
“I hope so,” faltered the minister. “You think that I ought to send in my resignation?”
“Of course, parson, you will be able to preach to good acceptance in some other parish. All people don’t have the same taste.”
“It would be hard for me to settle down among strangers.”
“Just at first it would; but after a while it would put new life into you. We all of us need a change, ministers as well as other people.”
“I will think over what you say, Deacon Crane. It has come as a surprise to me.”
“To be sure, to be sure! There is only one thing now I want to say,” and the deacon cleared his throat with portentous significance.