Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/242

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THE BISHOP's DILEMMA
237

ered a new barrier against sudden matrimony. When he did speak again he chose to change the subject.

"You see," he said, "I came to talk with you about Farrar. Now, he's the right man in the right place. He's doing a lot of good around here. I'd hate to see him kicked out."

"So would I."

"Then let's keep him here. I'll stand by him to the finish."

"But many of his parishioners demand that he shall be relieved."

"That's because they don't appreciate him. They don't sense what he's doing. They're not up to date. We run the Church according to modern methods these times, same as we do the mill."

"And those who are most insistent are communicants, vestrymen, prominent supporters."

"Well, I know I'm not a communicant nor a vestry-man, but I say, Bishop, there are few men in the parish who are willing to do more for Farrar and his church than I am. I don't know, by Jove! but I'd be willing to join the Church myself if it would help Farrar out."

"That sounds good. I shall hope to see your name on the list of candidates presented to me for confirmation next year."

"But the question is: what are we going to do for Farrar?"

"I'm going to do all I can for him. I like him."

"So do I. So does Ruth Tracy, and Mrs. Bradley, and Hazzard, and Emberly, and a lot of us. Take my advice, Bishop, and keep him here. You won't be sorry; I'll give you my word for it."

Barry rose from his chair and added: "I won't keep you any longer. There's a lot of people out there to see you by this time. I've watched 'em through the window, getting out of their cars at the door. Now, you do as I tell you, Bishop, and everything will come out all right."