"As soon as we heard of the call we offered him ten thousand three hundred—not that that would make any difference to a man of his character. Indeed Dumfarthing was still waiting and looking for guidance when they offered him eleven thousand. We couldn't meet it. It was beyond us, though we had the consolation of knowing that with such a man as Dumfarthing the money made no difference."
"And he has accepted the call?"
"Yes. He accepted it today. He sent word to Mr. Dick Overend our chairman, that he would remain in his manse, looking for light, until two-thirty, after which, if we had not communicated with him by that hour, he would cease to look for it."
"Dear me," said Mr. Newberry, deep in reflection, "so that when your trustees came to the meeting—"
"Exactly," said Dr. Boomer—and something like a smile passed across his features for a moment "Dr. Dumfarthing had already sent away his telegram of acceptance."
"Why, then," said Mr. Newberry, "at the time of our discussion tonight, you were in the position of having no minister."
"Not at all. We had already appointed a successor."
"A successor?"
"Certainly. It will be in tomorrow morning's papers. The fact is that we decided to ask Dr. McTeague to resume his charge."
"Dr. McTeague!" repeated Mr. Newberry in amazement. "But surely his mind is understood to be—"