That is, I mean that when Bishop Challoner was taken from us I said to
Mrs. Pewtap that you were sure to succeed him."
Mr. Strathmore smiled, but he did not offer to help his visitor out of
the tangle in which he was evidently involving himself.
"It isn't the good of the church, exactly," Mr. Pewtap stumbled on,
turning his seedy hat about like a slow wheel which had some connection
with grinding out his speech, "that I--Yes, of course I mean that the
good of the church must be considered first, as you say."
Speechlessness seemed to overcome him, and he looked upon his host with
a piteous appeal in his face.
"I understand that it is not an easy thing for you to tell me that it
seems best to you not to vote for me," Mr. Strathmore said kindly. "I
appreciate your coming to me on an errand so hard for you."
Mr. Pewtap sighed eloquently.
"If circumstances," he interpolated eagerly, "if circumstances were
different"--
"Of course," the other responded with a genial laugh. "As they are,
however, it seems to you best to vote for Father Frontford, and you
have a kindness for me that makes you come and tell me your reason.
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