“Your conduct is beyond endurance, boy—you are driving me to distraction!”
“What have I done now, sir?”
“My brother-in-law has just been here, making a terrible disturbance. You have been defaming him among the congregation of the church!”
“But, Dr. Vince!” cried Samuel, in amazement. “I have done nothing of the sort!”
“But you must have! Everyone is talking about it!”
“Doctor,” said the boy solemnly, “you are mistaken. I went to see Mr. Wygant, as I told you I would. Besides that, I have not spoken to a single soul about it, except just now to Sophie and Mrs. Stedman.—Oh, yes,” he added quickly—“and to Miss Gladys!”
“Ah!” exclaimed the other. “There you have it! Miss Gladys is a school friend of Mr. Hickman's daughter; and, of course, she went at once to tell her. And, of course, she will tell everyone else she knows—the whole congregation will be gossiping about it to-morrow!”
“I am very sorry, sir.”
“You see the trouble you cause me! And I must tell you plainly, Samuel, that this thing cannot go on another minute. Unless you are prepared to give up these absurd ideas of yours and attend to your duties as the sexton's boy, it will be necessary for you to leave the church.”
Samuel was staring at him aghast. “Leave the church!” he cried.