“That is so. And although all congregations like to get from their ministers what is called an intellectual treat—or, better still, a spiritual treat—every one needs and appreciates the direct talk of a practical man. But, Felix, we must keep to business now. Can you spare a few hours to go over to Mr. Whitwell’s?”
“Can you?”
“Yes; I will drive across at once if you like. I shall be back in time to see two patients this evening. It is always a pleasure to go to Hornby Hall.”
The master of the Hall was delighted to make the acquaintance of Felix Stapleton, since he honoured the man, as many others did, for the fidelity to Christian principles which he had exhibited. The two men had much in common, and the time flew rapidly while they were together.
“I shall be greatly indebted to you for taking my daughter under your charge during her journey,” he said. “And I am sure you will enjoy your visit. I should like to accompany you, too. But you will not find the man who is the life and soul of the place there. I see from the papers that Mr. Knight is trying to be in half-a-dozen places at once. He is endeavouring to prepare for the next political battle, and there is no time to lose, for a dissolution is imminent.”
“Do you think so? That is my own opinion also.”
“Oh, yes. The Government is in great straits. There must be an appeal to the country, and that soon.”
“It will be a big fight.”
“It will, indeed, and fought on altogether new lines; for the conflict will be between the Church and the world, and not, as before, between two parties who themselves make half the difficulties that are supposed to separate them.”
“Are the churches ready?”