“That is so. And although all congregations like to get from their ministers what is called an intellectual treat—or, better still, a spiritual treat—every one needs and appreciates the direct talk of a practical man. But, Felix, we must keep to business now. Can you spare a few hours to go over to Mr. Whitwell’s?” “Can _you_?” “Yes; I will drive across at once if you like. I shall be back in time to see two patients this evening. It is always a pleasure to go to Hornby Hall.” The master of the Hall was delighted to make the acquaintance of Felix Stapleton, since he honoured the man, as many others did, for the fidelity to Christian principles which he had exhibited. The two men had much in common, and the time flew rapidly while they were together. “I shall be greatly indebted to you for taking my daughter under your charge during her journey,” he said. “And I am sure you will enjoy your visit. I should like to accompany you, too. But you will not find the man who is the life and soul of the place there. I see from the papers that Mr. Knight is trying to be in half-a-dozen places at once. He is endeavouring to prepare for the next political battle, and there is no time to lose, for a dissolution is imminent.” “Do you think so? That is my own opinion also.” “Oh, yes. The Government is in great straits. There must be an appeal to the country, and that soon.” “It will be a big fight.” “It will, indeed, and fought on altogether new lines; for the conflict will be between the Church and the world, and not, as before, between two parties who themselves make half the difficulties that are supposed to separate them.” “Are the churches ready?” “I think they are more nearly ready than ever before. They have made their influence more surely felt during the last twenty years than at any other time since the formation of the present British Constitution. And this has naturally aroused the antagonism of the opposing powers, who do nothing but sneer at the development of the Christian conscience in politics; but the result will be that those who are for righteousness will ignore their minor differences, and stand together in this contest.” “If they do, the right will be victorious. Scourby means to lead the way,” said Dr. Stapleton. “There is not, I think, the least fear that Mr. Lavender will be returned again. The people have learned their lesson thoroughly.” “I think so, though it remains to be seen.” “I did not tell you, Felix,” said the doctor, addressing his brother, “that I had the pleasure of making one of a deputation from all the religious societies of the town, to urge Mr. Whitwell to allow himself to be nominated.” “I am glad to hear it. I need not ask whether you were successful, because the feeling is strong that no man who is solicited by the united churches can do other than accept the honour and responsibility.”