Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/199

 "I think I may assure your reverence that I have used my best endeavours in this respect. I have always tried to sharpen the children's sense of duty. But—h'm—it's good example which is everything here. Unfortunately, bad example has such a powerful effect."

"Yes, of course," answered the Provst, slightly astonished, and looking closely at him. "What are you thinking of? Do you allude to any one in particular as setting a bad example to the congregation?"

"Heaven forbid, your reverence, it was not my intention to charge any one in particular. I only meant—speaking generally."

"Rubbish! Don't beat about the bush—explain yourself properly. Whom do you consider to be a damaging element among the congregation? Well, speak out!"

"Hem! your reverence misunderstands me. I only meant—quite loosely"

"I say again, no roundabout phrases! Answer my question!"

"I assure your reverence it was only my intention to—to—that, for example, a man in the curate's position ought, perhaps, to be rather more careful in his behaviour, for the sake of the people. In the country, things are so easily misunderstood."

"The curate!" burst out the Provst, wrinkling his forehead and staring at Mr Johansen from head to foot. "How on earth can it occur to