Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 1.pdf/196

Rh have seen quite enough," he said. "It may be this is simply a foolish attempt at a hoax, Hillyer."

"But Mendham!" said the Vicar.

The Curate halted in the doorway and looked at the Vicar over his shoulder. The accumulating judgment of months found vent. "I cannot understand, Hillyer, why you are in the Church. For the life of me, I cannot. The air is full of Social Movements, of Economic Change, the Woman Movement, Rational Dress, The Reunion of Christendom, Socialism, Individualism—all the great and moving Questions of the Hour! Surely, we who follow the Great Reformer&hellip; And here you are stuffing birds, and startling ladies with your callous disregard&hellip;"

"But Mendham," began the Vicar.

The Curate would not hear him. "You shame the Apostles with your levity&hellip; But this is only a preliminary inquiry," he said, with a threatening note in his sonorous voice, and so vanished abruptly (with a violent slam) from the room. § 17

" all men so odd as this?" said the Angel.

"I'm in such a difficult position," said the Vicar. "You see," he said, and stopped, searching his chin for an idea.

"I'm beginning to see," said the Angel.

"They won't believe it."

"I see that."

"They will think I tell lies."

"And?"

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