"The first question I would ask you, sir, is, whether it is true that you are a contributor to the paper which the vicar has named. The second question I would ask you, sir----" The curate interrupted him. "One moment, Mr. Luxmare. On what ground do you consider yourself entitled to question me?" "You are one of the parish clergy. I am one of its churchwardens. As such, I speak to you in the name of the parish." "I fail to understand you. Because I am one of the parish clergy it does not follow that I am in any way responsible for my conduct to the parish. My life would be not worth living if that were so. I am responsible to my vicar alone. So long as he is satisfied that I am doing my duty to him, you have no concern with me, and I have none with you." "Quite right, Mr. Plumber," struck in the vicar. "I have hinted as much to Mr. Luxmare already." The people's warden listened with lowering brows. "Then why have you brought us here, sir?--to be played with?" "The truth is, Mr. Luxmare--and you must forgive my speaking plainly--you have an exaggerated conception of the magnitude of your office. A churchwarden has certain duties to perform, but among them is not the duty of sitting in judgment on his clergy." "Then am I to understand that Mr. Plumber declines to answer my questions?" "It depends," said Mr. Plumber, "upon what your questions are. I trust that I may be always found ready, and willing, to respond to any inquiries, not savouring of impertinence, which may be addressed to me. I have no objection, for instance, to inform you, or any one, that I am, or rather, I have been, a contributor to _Skittles_." "Oh, you have, have you! May I ask if you intend to continue to contribute to that scandalous rag?" "Now you go too far. I am unable to bind myself by any promise as to my future intentions." "Then, sir, I say that you ought to be ashamed of yourself." "Mr. Luxmare!" cried the vicar. But the people's warden had reached the explosive point; he was bound to explode.