Charlotte Plimpton rose.

“I shall not bother you any longer at present, Mr. Hodder,” she said sweetly.  “I know you must have, this morning especially, a great deal to trouble you.”

He met her scrutiny calmly.

“It is only the things we permit to trouble us that do so, Mrs. Plimpton,” he replied.  “My own troubles have arisen largely from a lack of faith on the part of those whom I feel it is my duty to influence.”

It was then she delivered her parting shot, which she repeated, with much satisfaction, to her husband that evening.  She had reached the door.  “Was there a special service at Calvary yesterday?” she asked innocently, turning back.

“Not that I know of.”

“I wondered.  Mr. Parr was there; I’m told—­and he’s never been known to desert St. John’s except on the rarest occasions.  But oh, Mr. Hodder, I must congratulate you on your influence with Alison.  When she has been out here before she never used to come to church at all.”