I differ from my brother Sinclair in the next
parish. He is always visiting. What is the consequence?--gossip and,
as I conceive, a loss of dignity and self-respect. I will go wherever
there is trouble or wherever I am wanted, but I will not go anywhere for
idle talk."
"I think you are right. A priest should not make himself cheap and
common. He should be representative of sacred interests superior to the
ordinary interests of life."
"I am grateful to you, madam, very grateful to you for these
observations. They are as just as they are unusual. I sincerely hope
that we--" But there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." It was Mrs. Harrop. "Your bell rang, Mrs. Fairfax, but
maybe you didn't hear it as you were engaged in conversation. Good
morning, Dr. Midleton. I hope I don't intrude?"
"No, you do not."
He bowed to the ladies, and as he went out, the parlour-door being open,
he moved the outer door backwards and forwards.
"It would be as well, Mrs. Fairfax, to have a bell hung there which
would act properly."
"I don't know quite what Dr.
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