“I mentioned that you were a clergyman. I could not remember the name.”
“The Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut. I have been preaching there for—is it six or seven years, my dear?”
“Seven,” said his wife.
“I should think that would be sufficient. You may mention that to Mr. Ball or Mr. Black, if you please. I presume after that he will not be afraid to purchase.”
Mr. Montgomery said this with an air of conscious respectability and high standing, which might readily impose upon strangers. But, by bad luck, what he had said was heard by a person able to confute him.
“Did you say you were from Hayfield Centre?” asked a gentleman, standing a few feet distant.
“Yes,” said Mr. Montgomery.
“I think you said your name was Barnes?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And that you have been preaching there for the last seven years?”