to Mrs. Gwynne, the Rector followed the people, leaving the evangelist
and his wife behind packing up their hymn books and organ, their faces
only too clearly showing the distress which they felt. Mrs. Gwynne moved
toward them.

"I am truly grieved," she said, addressing the evangelist, "that you
were not given an opportunity to deliver your message."

"What a terrible creature that is," he exclaimed in a tone indicating
nervous anxiety.

"Oh, you mean poor John?" said Mrs. Gwynne. "The poor man is quite
harmless. He became excited with the unusual character of the meeting.
He will disturb you no more."

"I fear it is useless," said the evangelist. "I cannot continue in the
face of this opposition."

"It may be difficult, but not useless," replied Mrs. Gwynne, the light
of battle glowing in her grey eyes.

"Ah, I do not know. It may not be wise to stir up bad feeling in a
community, to bring the name of religion into disrepute by strife.
But," he continued, offering his hand, "let me thank you warmly for your
sympathy. It was splendidly courageous of you. Do you--do you attend his
church?"

"Yes, we worship with the Episcopal Church. I am a Friend myself."

"Ah, then it was a splendidly courageous act. I honour you for it."