"I do indeed. But a certain responsibility rests with the parson of the parish."
"You can't be responsible for everything that goes on."
"Perhaps not—when the place is packed with nonconformists. Greatorex comes of bad dissenting stock. I can't hope to have any influence with him."
He paused.
"But I'm told that you have."
"Influence? Not I. I've a sneaking regard for Greatorex. He isn't half a bad fellow if you take him the right way."
"Well, then, can't you take him? Can't you say a judicious word?"
"If it's to ask him to marry Essy, that wouldn't be very judicious, I'm afraid. He'll marry her if he wants to, and if he doesn't, he won't."
"But, my dear Dr. Rowcliffe, think of the gross injustice to that poor girl."
"It might be a worse injustice if he married her. Why should he marry her if he doesn't want to, and if she doesn't want it? There she is, perfectly content and happy with her baby. It's been a little seedy lately, but it's absolutely sound. A very fine baby indeed, and Essy knows it. There's nothing wrong with the baby."