"Won't you be seated, Mr. Peck?"

"I thank you. It's only for a moment. I am going away to-morrow, and I wish
to speak with you about Idella."

"Yes, certainly. But surely you are not going to leave Hatboro', Mr. Peck!
I hoped--we all did--that after what you had seen of the strong feeling in
your favour to-night you would reconsider your determination and stay with
us!" She went on impetuously. "You must know--you must understand now--how
much good you can do here--more than any one else--more than you could do
anywhere else. I don't believe that you realise how much depends upon your
staying here. You can't stop the dissensions by going away; it will only
make them worse. You saw how Colonel Marvin and Mr. Wilmington were with
you; and Mr. Gates--all classes. I oughtn't to speak--to attempt to teach
you your duty; I'm not of your church; and I can only tell you how it seems
to me: that you never can find another place where your principles--your
views--"

He waited for her to go on; but she really had nothing more to say, and he
began: "I am not hoping for another charge elsewhere, at least not for the
present; but I am satisfied that my usefulness here is at an end, and I do
not think that my going away will make matters worse. Whether I go or stay,
the dissensions will continue. At any rate, I believe that there are those
who need help more, and whom I can help more, in another field--"