"I thought so. And being a cripple———"
"You are under a most cruel———"
"I thought that if his gift is really what that Jehoram woman says———"
"An unjustifiable suspicion if ever a man———"
"I don't think much of her judgment, of course."
"Consider my position. Have I gained no character?"
"It might be possible to do something for him as a performer."
"Have I—(Bother! It's no good!)"
"And so, dear Vicar, I propose to give him an opportunity of showing us what he can do. I have been thinking it all over as I drove here. On Tuesday next, I will invite just a few people of taste, and he shall bring his violin. Eigh? And if that goes well, I will see if I can get some introductions and really push him."
"But Lady, Lady Hammergallow."
"Not another word!" said Lady Hammergallow, still resolutely holding her ear-trumpet before her and clutching her eyeglasses. "I really must not leave those horses. Cutler is so annoyed if I keep them too long. He finds waiting tedious, poor man, unless there is a public-house near." She made for the door.
"Damn!" said the Vicar, under his breath. He had never used the word since he had taken orders. It shows you how an Angel's visit may disorganise a man.
He stood under the verandah watching the carriage drive away. The world seemed coming to pieces about
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