“Mr. Hodder,” he said, “in one respect seems to be under the delusion that we are still in the Middle Ages, instead of the twentieth century, since he assumes the right to meddle with the lives of his parishioners, to be the sole judge of their actions.  That assumption will not, be tolerated by free men.  I, for one, gentlemen, do not, propose to have a socialist for the rector of the church which I attend and support.  And I maintain the privilege of an American citizen to set my own standards, within the law, and to be the sole arbitrar of those standards.”

“Good!” muttered Gordon Atterbury.  Langmaid moved uncomfortably.

“I shall not waste words,” the financier continued.  “There is in my mind no question that we are justified in demanding from our rector the Christian doctrines to which we have given our assent, and which are stated in the Creeds.  That they shall be subject to the whims of the rector is beyond argument.  I do not pretend to, understand either, gentlemen, the nature of the extraordinary change that has taken place in the rector of St. John’s.  I am not well versed m psychology.  I am incapable of flights myself.  One effect of this change is an attitude on which reasonable considerations would seem to have no effect.

“Our resources, fortunately, are not yet at an end.  It has been my hope, on account of my former friendship with Mr. Hodder, that an ecclesiastical trial might not be necessary.  It now seems inevitable.  In the meantime, since Mr. Hodder has seen fit to remain in spite of our protest, I do not intend to enter this church.  I was prepared, gentlemen, as some of you no doubt know, to spend a considerable sum in adding to the beauty of St. John’s and to the charitable activities of the parish.  Mr. Hodder has not disapproved of my gifts in the past, but owing to his present scruples concerning my worthiness, I naturally hesitate to press the matter now.”  Mr. Parr indulged in the semblance of a smile.  “I fear that he must take the responsibility of delaying this benefit, with the other responsibilities he has assumed.”

His voice changed.  It became sharper.

“In short, I propose to withhold all contributions for whatever purpose from this church while Mr. Hodder is rector, and I advise those of you who have voted for his resignation to do the same.  In the meantime, I shall give my money to Calvary, and attend its services.  And I shall offer further a resolution—­which I am informed is within our right—­to discontinue Mr. Hodder’s salary.”

There was that in the unparalleled audacity of Eldon Parr that compelled Hodder’s unwilling admiration.  He sat gazing at the financier during this speech, speculating curiously on the inner consciousness of the man who could utter it.  Was it possible that he had no sense of guilt?  Even so, he had shown a remarkable astuteness in relying on the conviction that he (Hodder) would not betray what he knew.