Mr. Dyceworthy blinked feebly, and drew out his handkerchief.
"I trust, Sir Philip," he said mildly, "you will reconsider your words! It would ill beseem you to strive to do me harm in the parish were my ministrations are welcome, as appealing to that portion of the people who follow the godly Luther. Oh yes,"--and he smiled cheerfully--"you will reconsider your words. In the meantime--I--I"--he stammered slightly--"I apologize! I meant naught but good to the maiden--but I have been misunderstood, as is ever the case with the servants of the Lord. Let us say no more about it! I forgive!--let us all forgive! I will even extend my pardon to the pagan yonder--"
But the "pagan" at that moment broke loose from the friendly grasp in which he had been hitherto held, and strode up to the minister, who recoiled like a beaten cur from the look of that fine old face flushed with just indignation, and those clear blue eyes fiery as the flash of steel.
"Pagan, you call me!" he cried. "I thank the gods for it--I am proud of the title! I would rather be the veriest savage that ever knelt in untutored worship to the great forces of Nature, than such a thing as you--a slinking, unclean animal, crawling coward-like between earth and sky, and daring to call itself a Christian! Faugh! Were I the Christ, I should sicken at sight of you!"
Dyceworthy made no reply, but his little eyes glittered evilly.
Errington, not desiring any further prolongation of the scene, managed to draw the irate bonde away, saying in a low tone-"We've had enough of this, sir! Let us get home to Thelma."
"I was about to suggest a move," added Lorimer. "We are only wasting time here."
"Ah!" exclaimed Duprèz radiantly--"and Monsieur Dyceworthy will be glad to be in bed! He will be very stiff to-morrow, I am sure! Here is a lady who will attend him."
This with a courteous salute to the wooden-faced Ulrika, who suddenly confronted them in the little passage. She seemed surprised to see them, and spoke in a monotonous dreamy tone, as though she walked in her sleep.
"The girl has gone?" she added slowly.
Duprèz nodded briskly. "She has gone! And let me tell you, madame, that if it had not been for you, she would not have come here at all. You took that card to her?"