Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/175

170 "As an honest man and a minister of God I shall do all that lies in my power to blind her eyes to any less worthy object than the advancement of Christ's Kingdom on earth."

A point had been reached beyond which words were vain. With men in whom the animal instinct predominates, blows would have been next in order. To these gentlemen it was simply apparent that the interview was at an end.

Westgate opened the study door to pass out into the hall, but, facing him, blocking his way, the rector's wife stood, white-faced and trembling. She had heard the high-pitched voices, the demand and the refusal. Unreasoning fear possessed her. She threw herself into her husband's arms.

"Oh, Robert!" she cried. "What awful thing has happened now?"

He laid his hand on her head soothingly.

"Don't be frightened, dear. It is simply another desertion. Mr. Westgate definitely joins our enemies."

She looked apprehensively at Westgate, and he went up to her and took her hand.

"I am not your enemy, Mrs. Farrar," he said. "I never shall be. Whatever happens you shall have sympathy and friendship, both from my mother and from me, and such help and comfort as we may be permitted to give to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Westgate! You and your mother have always been good to us."

"And we shall continue to be to the best of our ability. Good-bye!"

When Westgate had gone she turned again to her husband and demanded that he tell her what had happened. He did so. He told her plainly of the request for his resignation, and of his refusal to consider it.

"Oh, why didn't you do what they asked of you?" she wailed. "It would have been so much better than keeping up this horrid fight. I am so sick and tired of