It was Hazzard who spoke. He was indignant to the core.
"Then let him preach Christianity and not socialism," retorted Mr. Claybank.
"You—you don't know what Christianity is!" shouted Emberly.
"I know what it isn't!" roared Colonel Boston. "It isn't the deification of the rabble!"
By this time every man in the room was on his feet. A half-dozen voices were struggling to be heard. A most unchristian scene was on the verge of enactment. It was then that Westgate, quick-witted and masterful, saved the day for decency.
"Mr. Chairman," he shouted, "if there is no further proper business to come before the meeting, I move you, in the name of Christian charity, that we do now adjourn."
The motion was put and carried. The wrangling ceased. The gentlemen of the vestry said good-night to the rector, and passed out into the street. But the fires of opposition had not been quenched. They only awaited encouragement from the first hostile breeze to blaze up anew.
