So much as that I had the intelligence to infer. But I felt it my duty not to allow pique to interfere with the due discharge of my office. I had various things to say to you which I thought you should hear, so yesterday I called again, and again was told you were out.

Mrs. Littlewood.

[Coolly.] I didn’t wish to see you.

Vicar.

May I ask why?

Mrs. Littlewood.

Well, I suppose you wanted to talk about my boy. I didn’t think your conversation could give him back to me.

Vicar.

Don’t you think I could have helped you to bear your loss? I think I could have found in my heart words to persuade you to resignation. I might at least have offered you my sympathy.

Mrs. Littlewood.