You have been defaming him among the congregation of the church!"
"But, Dr. Vince!" cried Samuel, in amazement. "I have done nothing of
the sort!"
"But you must have! Everyone is talking about it!"
"Doctor," said the boy solemnly, "you are mistaken. I went to see Mr.
Wygant, as I told you I would. Besides that, I have not spoken to
a single soul about it, except just now to Sophie and Mrs. Stedman.--
Oh, yes," he added quickly--"and to Miss Gladys!"
"Ah!" exclaimed the other. "There you have it! Miss Gladys is a school
friend of Mr. Hickman's daughter; and, of course, she went at once to
tell her. And, of course, she will tell everyone else she knows--the
whole congregation will be gossiping about it to-morrow!"
"I am very sorry, sir."
"You see the trouble you cause me! And I must tell you plainly,
Samuel, that this thing cannot go on another minute. Unless you are
prepared to give up these absurd ideas of yours and attend to your
duties as the sexton's boy, it will be necessary for you to leave the
church."
Samuel was staring at him aghast. "Leave the church!" he cried.
"Most assuredly!" declared the other.
"Dr. Vince!" exclaimed the other. "Do you mean that you would actually
try to turn me out of the church?"
"I would, sir!"
"But, doctor, have you the right to do that?"
"The right? Why not?"
"You have the right to take away my work.
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