d humiliated, as might reasonably have been expected, said
that he "would see."

To cover his surprise and irritation, the Judge went all over it again,
and this time Imrie "hoped for the best." It was very unsatisfactory. It
was with considerable asperity that he advised the young man "not to be
impossible."

So far from being properly impressed by the generosity and tolerance of
the vestry, and therefore reverting to his former eloquent
innocuousness, Imrie improved the following Sunday with a more or less
dispassionate analysis of the relations existing between a clergyman and
what he had the extreme bad taste to call his "employers." He drew
analogies which were extraordinarily tactless and unpleasant, and, as
Mrs. Aishton, a very refined woman, said afterward, made her regret that
her daughter was present.

Mr. Podgers shook his head, but said nothing. Therefore Mr. Campbell
also said nothing. But Judge Wolcott talked a great deal. And the rest
of the vestry talked a great deal too, though there was no meeting.

But when on the next Sunday Dr. Imrie cast all decent discretion aside
and said things concerning "Hypocrisy" so crudely that even the
stupidest of his congregation could understand, and even the most
tolerant could not evade; and when that dreadful sermon was followed by
one on "Charity" in which absolutely all the bonds of good taste were
shattered, Mr. Podgers ceased shaking his head and spoke. Then Mr.
Campbell spoke, and a meeting was held.

"He is insane," said Mr. Podgers with a finality which indicated a
profound familiarity with all forms of mental aberration.

"Quite," agreed Mr. Campbell, as if it was almost too obvious for
comment.

"It is outrageous," declared Mr. Corey with a vindictiveness which
contrasted strangely with his white hair and pink cheeks and twinkling
little blue eyes. But it must be remembered that the barbs of the
clergyman's inexcusable tactlessness had lodged rather definitely in Mr.
Corey's bosom.

A verdict was passed of greater or less severity, according to
individual temperament. Mr. Podgers was quite impersonal, but positive,
as befitted an upholder of pure faith. Mr. Campbell, for obvious
reasons, was even more positive. Mr. Corey was frankly personal. Judge
Wolcott was the most regretful. Yet even he could not overlook what he
termed Imrie's "ingratitude." He felt that the young man should be
"disciplined," though he was vague as to the method. It was final