'
'But you don't like the movement?'
'In so far as it has the good of men in view it interests me, and I
respect its supporters.'
'But you think we go the wrong way to work?'
'That is my opinion, Mr. Mutimer.'
'What would you have us do?'
'To see faults is a much easier thing than to originate a sound
scheme. I am far from prepared with any plan of social
reconstruction.'
Nor could Mr. Wyvern be moved from the negative attitude, though
Mutimer pressed him.
'Well, I'm sorry you won't come,' Richard said as he rose to take
his leave. 'It didn't strike me that you would feel out of place.'
'Nor should I. But you will understand that my opportunities of
being useful in the village depend on the existence of sympathetic
feeling in my parishioners. It is my duty to avoid any behaviour
which could be misinterpreted.'
'Then you deliberately adapt yourself to the prejudices of
unintelligent people?'
'I do so, deliberately,' assented the vicar, with one of his
fleeting smiles.
Richard went away feeling sorry that he had courted this rejection.
He would never have thought of inviting a 'parson' but for Mrs.
Waltham's suggestion. After all, it it mattered little whether Adela
came to the luncheon or not. He had desired her presence because he
wished her to see him as an entertainer of guests such as the
Westlakes.
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