ting the chance depends on what you think about your taking it.
There's another man talked about for the position; but I have a good
deal of say in the matter, and Opdyke has more. He considers you rather
a genius in his line, a wasted genius, and would jump at a chance to
have you put in under him as instructor. What do you think?"

Brenton's reply came without an instant's hesitation.

"I will take it, if it's offered me."

"You know it will shut Saint Peter's door to you for ever? In a case
like this, one can't go back again."

"I know," Brenton made brief assent.

"You realize all you are giving up?"

"I do."

"You know the world is full of potential Prathers; and you also know
what your wife will say? Does she understand what you have been going
through?"

Brenton's lips stiffened.

"I have not meant to keep anything back from her. How far she has
grasped all it has meant to me--However, in honour, I have done my
best."

And, despite the weakening drop of his voice on the final phrases, the
doctor believed him. Believing and likewise knowing Katharine, he
pitied Brenton from the bottom of his heart. After all, was the fellow
quite so invertebrate as he had sometimes seemed?

"Well, I will talk to Opdyke first, and then bring the matter up before
the rest of the trustees. There's a meeting, early in October. Best not
do anything until that is over. Then, in all decency, you will have to
give a little time to Saint Peter's. You can't well bolt off, like a
cook in a tantrum. Prepare their Christmas diet for them; and then go
into this other thing, directly after mid-years."

"But, feeling as I do, have I any right to keep on at Saint Peter's?"
Brenton queried.

The doctor cut his query short.

"Business is business, no matter how you feel. That curate of yours is
as futile as a Persian pussy in a ten-horse plough. It takes a little
time to pick up the right sort of a new man for a church like this; you
have no right to leave the whole plant at loose ends, while they are
about it, just because your ego has a pain in its psychological
digestion. People have got to go on being married and buried, even if
you can't make a scientific assay of the doctrine of the Atonement.
Well," the doctor rose and emptied out his long-cold pipe; "that's all.
I wish you luck, Brenton, and I'll help you all I can. Whatever I think
about your mental calibre, I do believe that you are honest; and, after
all, that's the mai