"Ah!" thought Flaxman—"now we've come to it!"
Aloud he said:
"By which I suppose you mean that I am a subscriber to the Reform Fund, and that I have become a personal friend of Meynell's? You are quite right. Both my wife and I greatly like and respect the Rector." He laid stress on the words.
"It was for that very reason—let me repeat—that I came to you. You have influence with Meynell; and I want to persuade you, if I can, to use it." The speaker paused a moment, looking steadily at Flaxman. "What I venture to suggest is that you should inform him of the stories that are now current. It is surely just that he should be informed. And then—we have to consider the bearings of this report on the unhappy situation in the diocese. How can we prevent its being made use of? It would be impossible. You know what the feeling is—you know what people are. In Meynell's own interest, and in that of the poor lady whose name is involved with his in this scandal, would it not be desirable in every way that he should now quietly withdraw from this parish and from the public contest in which he is engaged? Any excuse would be sufficient—health—overwork—anything. The scandal would then die out of itself. There is not one of us—those on Meynell's side, or those against him—who would not in such a case do his utmost to stamp it out. But—if he persists—both in living here, and in exciting public opinion as he is now doing—the story will certainly come out! Nothing can possibly stop it."
Barron leant back and folded his arms. Flaxman's eyes sparkled. He felt an insane desire to run the substantial gentleman sitting opposite to the door and dismiss him with violence. But he restrained himself.
"I am greatly obliged to you for your belief in the power of my good offices," he said, with a very frosty smile, "but I am afraid I must ask to be excused. Of course if the matter became serious, legal action would be taken very promptly."
"How can legal action be taken?" interrupted Barron roughly. "Whatever may be the case with regard to Meynell and her identification of him, Judith Sabin's story is true. Of that I am entirely convinced."
But he had hardly spoken before he felt that he had made a false step.
Flaxman's light blue eyes fixed him.
"The story with regard to Miss Puttenham?"
"Precisely."