'Oh yes, very.'
'What have you to say about your relations with Miss Tenant?'
'He has heard all about it,' thought Hiram, 'and I must do the best I can.' 'Why, sir, in my present afflicted state, how could I form so important a tie as that of matrimony? So it was thought best by Mrs. Tenant that the engagement should be considered at an end, at least for the present. This was her own suggestion, I assure you.'
'Look you, Meeker,' said Dr. Chellis, endeavoring to restrain his anger, 'I have heard the other side of this story, and had you not called on me, I should have sent for you. I cannot permit such a course as you are charged with to go without the action of the church.'
'By what right does the church undertake to supervise my domestic affairs?' retorted Hiram, now fully roused, and at bay.
'The church will always take official notice of misconduct on the part of any of its members.'
'With what am I charged?' demanded Hiram, defiantly.
'With violation of the most sacred of promises, with prevarication, dissimulation, and moral fraud.'
'Since it is determined to prejudge me, I shall ask for a letter of dismission, and worship elsewhere.'
'I cannot grant you a letter while you are under charges.'