The Bishop made no immediate reply. He was at that moment involved in a struggle with an incumbent in Markborough itself who under the very shadow of the Cathedral had been celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in flat disobedience to his diocesan. His mind wandered for a minute or two to this case. Then, rousing himself, he said abruptly, with a keen look at Meynell:
"I know of course that, in your case, there can be no question of clinging to the money of the Church."
Meynell flushed.
"I had not meant to speak of it—but your lordship knows that all I receive from my living is given back to church purposes. I support myself by what I write. There are others of us who risk much more than I—who risk indeed their all!"
"You have done a noble work for your people, Meynell." The Bishop's voice was not unlike a groan.
"I have done nothing but what was my bounden duty to do."
"And practically your parish is with you in this terrible business?"
"The church people in it, by an immense majority—and some of the dissenters. Mr. Barron, as you know, is the chief complainant, and there are of course some others with him."
"I expect to see Mr. Barron this afternoon," remarked the Bishop, frowning.
Meynell said nothing.