As a body, I think they
would compare very well in manliness (I do not say
in brains) with as many young lawyers or doctors. Still,
I have no love for the cloth. Just as cotton, which is
in itself the most harmless substance in the world,
becomes dangerous on being dipped into nitric acid, so
the mildest of mortals is to be feared if he is once
soaked in sectarian religion. If he has any rancour or
hardness in him it will bring it out. I was therefore by
no means overjoyed to see my visitor, though I trust that
I received him with fitting courtesy. The quick little
glance of surprise which he shot round him as he entered
my consulting-room, told me that it was not quite what he
had expected.
"You see, the Vicar has been away for two years," he
explained, "and we have to look after things in his
absence. His chest is weak, and he can't stand
Birchespool. I live just opposite, and, seeing your
plate go up, I thought I would call and welcome you into
our parish."
I told him that I was very much obliged for the
attention. If he had stopped there all would have been
well, and we should have had a pleasant little chat. But
I suppose it was his sense of duty which would not permit
it.
"I trust," said he, "that we shall see you at St.
Joseph's."
I was compelled to explain that it was not probable.
"A Roman Catholic?" he asked, in a not unfriendly
voice.
I shook my head, but nothing would discourage him.
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