"How encouraging!" exclaimed Rachel. "That's the first word of the sort I have heard here. I was afraid I was considered a mere drone in the hive." Mrs. Stone who knew from Mrs. Greville's own words that she did not consider her daughter-in-law suitable as yet for the work, did not refer to the subject again, but as she settled down to her knitting with Rachel beside her, she came to the conclusion that Rachel herself had given her an opening to do what she considered a difficult duty and a kindness. "I can tell you one little matter in which I believe you could be a great help to your husband. Have you noticed lately that there is a feeling of dissatisfaction in the parish among some of the men?" "Yes, and I want so much to know what it is all about. Polly's father is in the choir and used to be such a nice mannered man. In fact I often have him in to do little carpentering jobs for me. But lately he has been rather unpleasant and surly, and I have not liked to tell Luke as it might make a disturbance." "Well I can tell you what it is all about if you like." Rachel let her work drop on to her knee while she listened. "In the first place, you know, the Vicar says things very plainly. He calls a spade a spade. I admire and like him for it. But some of the men are offended at one or two things he said about the strikes that have lately taken place." "I'm not surprised. Luke is so brave and fearless. I sometimes wish he would be a little more careful as to what he says." "No, don't wish that. It is so much better to talk straight to the men. They respect him for it though they are annoyed at him." "If only they knew how really sympathetic he is with them. But he is so stern sometimes that I am sure they don't understand him. But he loves his men and would do anything in the world for them." "That's why he tells them the truth. If he cared for them less and for his own popularity more, he would not speak to them so plainly. He wants to save their souls." "Yes. He is always saying, 'we are out to save souls.' But is there anything else that they complain of? I am afraid he will never alter his way of preaching. He will always speak straight, as they say. That is Luke." "There is another little matter of which they complain. But I am so afraid if I tell you it may pain you." "I would rather know what it is," said Rachel. "Well then they consider the Vicar preaches too long sermons." Rachel flushed. "Too long!" she exclaimed. "Yes. You see things are not what they used to be, and people will not stand long sermons. I—I don't think them at all too long myself." "I thought everyone loved his sermons. I do." "So do I. But the fact is, the men want to hurry off to the Public Hall concert, and they are just too late for it." "How disgraceful of them," said Rachel hotly.