Seeing the cup in Mr. Bishop's hand and the dismayed expression on
that gentleman's countenance, he smiled.
"This has to be--be finished," said the distraught clergyman.
"Ah, I'm sorry about that," replied Mr. Windle, easily. "Under
ordinary circumstances, there would have been as many as I said; but
I understand that a lot of people attended early Communion at the
bishop's service in Maidstone. You see, it is not often that he comes,
and they like to have his lordship."
"But this is consecrated wine."
"Ah--well--there's not much, I suppose. Is there?"
Mr. Windle looked casually into the chalice. "Oh, there is a good
deal. What are you going to do?"
"I shall have to call upon you for your assistance."
"Mine?"
"Yes; I couldn't drink all this myself. I'm not accustomed to taking
wine. As much as this would--I am afraid--go to my head." His face
was now twitching convulsively. "Especially on a--a somewhat--empty
stomach."
"But it's no good asking me," said Mr. Windle.
"Why not? You have just been a communicant? Under extraordinary
circumstances like this, I am expected to call upon some one who has
communicated, reverently, to assist me.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57