He paused.
"Yes," said Malling; "unless—"
"A thing almost impossible were to happen."
"May I, without indiscretion, ask what that is?"
"Unless he were to leave St. Joseph's, to go quite away."
"Surely that would not be impossible!"
"I often think it is. Chichester will not wish to go."
"Are you certain of that?" asked Malling, remembering the curate's remark in Horton Street, that perhaps he would not remain at St. Joseph's much longer.
The rector turned his head and fixed his eyes upon Malling.
"Has he said anything to you about leaving?" he asked, suddenly raising his voice, as if under the influence of excitement. "But of course he has not."