"It's some time since I had the pleasure of meeting you, Mr. Vigil,"
he said. "Mrs. Pendyce has been giving me in confidence the news you've
brought down. I'm bound to tell you at once that I'm surprised."
Gregory made a little movement of recoil, as though his delicacy had
received a shock.
"Indeed!" he said, with a sort of quivering coldness.
The Rector, quick to note opposition, repeated emphatically:
"More than surprised; in fact, I think there must be some mistake."
"Indeed?" said Gregory again.
A change came over Mr. Barter's face. It had been grave, but was now
heavy and threatening.
"I have to say to you," he said, "that somehow--somehow, this divorce
must be put a stop to."
Gregory flushed painfully.
"On what grounds? I am not aware that my ward is a parishioner of yours,
Mr. Barter, or that if she were----"
The Rector closed in on him, his head thrust forward, his lower lip
projecting.
"If she were doing her duty," he said, "she would be. I'm not
considering her--I'm considering her husband; he is a parishioner of
mine, and I say this divorce must be stopped."
Gregory retreated no longer.
"On what grounds?" he said again, trembling all over.
"I've no wish to enter into particulars," said Mr. Barter, "but if you
force me to, I shall not hesitate.
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