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It seemed to Gervase that too rosy a view was being taken of his situation. In the eyes of his brother and sister he was no martyr to a sacred cause but a man who has chosen decidedly for the better.

"Nay, I was happy enough at Leasan. It's sad to leave it now when I should be reaping the fruit of twenty years' labour."

"Then why do you leave? Nay, never tell me it's because of the oath. I'd take that from some, but not from you. Your conscience was never tender."

Gervase resented such talk in front of Mr. Parsons. A dull flush mounted his cheeks and he cracked his finger joints in anger.

"Brother, if you talk more in this style I shall understand that you know nothing of religion or politics."

"You will then understand correctly, and I care even less than I know. But you must allow me to know my brother and feel surprised that he should divide his issues by a hair."

"You call the doctrine of the King's supremacy a hair. My conscience would be tough indeed could I swear allegiance in two places."