"I wonder whether you, and such as you, really know on what the true life of the soul depends," said Chichester, with an almost dreadful quietness.
The professor sat down again.
"Such as I?" he said. "You are good enough to do me the honor of putting me in a class?"
"As you have so far honored me," returned Chichester.
"Ha!" ejaculated Stepton.
He had quite got the better of his egoism, but he by no means regretted his outburst.
"Do you claim to stand outside the ranks of the clergy?" he asked.
"Do you claim to stand outside the ranks of the scientists?"
"Oh, dear, no. And now—you?"
Chichester said nothing for a moment. Then, lifting up his head, and gazing at the professor with a sort of sternness of determination, he said: