"May I ask Mr. Plumber some questions?"
The vicar beamed, or endeavoured to.
"You had better, Mr. Luxmare, address that inquiry to Mr. Plumber."
Mr. Luxmare addressed himself to Mr. Plumber--not genially.
"The first question I would ask you, sir, is, whether it is true that you are a contributor to the paper which the vicar has named. The second question I would ask you, sir----"
The curate interrupted him.
"One moment, Mr. Luxmare. On what ground do you consider yourself entitled to question me?"
"You are one of the parish clergy. I am one of its churchwardens. As such, I speak to you in the name of the parish."
"I fail to understand you. Because I am one of the parish clergy it does not follow that I am in any way responsible for my conduct to the parish. My life would be not worth living if that were so. I am responsible to my vicar alone. So long as he is satisfied that I am doing my duty to him, you have no concern with me, and I have none with you."
"Quite right, Mr. Plumber," struck in the vicar. "I have hinted as much to Mr. Luxmare already."