Mrs. Wharton.
It’s been very good of you to come.
[There is a general shaking of hands.
Vicar.
[To John.] Well, good-bye, young fellow. I’ve tried to show you that I’m by way of being rather broad-minded as parsons go. It wouldn’t shock me in the least to hear you say “damn” or “blast.” I’m often inclined to use a bit of strong language myself. I asked you just now if you’d gone to sleep during my sermon. I wouldn’t have turned a hair if you had.
John.
It’s very kind of you to say so. I may avail myself of your suggestion on some future occasion.
Vicar.
On a future occasion, perhaps—shall we say next Sunday?—I hope you won’t leave the House of God without partaking in the greatest of all the Sacraments of our Church. Don’t forget that the Almighty has in His mercy brought you in safety through great and terrible peril. That’s all I wanted to say to you. Good-bye, God bless you.
John.