"Sometimes wildflowers are more beautiful than capricious society roses," thought the count. – "But she is a peasant, and such an affair would disgrace me."
– And here comes Pastor Glowford. And, as I said, alone," he said to his friend with a chuckle, as he looked at the parson approaching the house. – I like the old man, but I think he's an Anglican nut.
– That's what a parson is," said the viscount, grinning.
In a couple of minutes, the butler announced the arrival of Pastor Glowford solemnly, and was immediately ordered by the Count to conduct him into the drawing-room. In a minute the parson stood before the high-born gentlemen from London.
– 'Thank you for receiving me, your Lordship. – The parson bowed delicately, not forgetting the social manners he still remembered despite his long stay in the wilderness. – 'I am flattered by your invitation, and it is a great honour.
– Come in, reverend, sit down," the Count answered him politely. – I wish to introduce my good friend Viscount Wilworth.
– Good afternoon," he said, and extended his hand to shake the parson's.
– I am honoured, sir," replied the parson, shaking his hand, and thinking that the Viscount was not so prim as the Landlord of Walsingham.
– 'I understand, reverend, that you have come on business? – Lord Draymore asked, pointing with his hand to a large, upholstered armchair.
The parson was embarrassed that his dusty shoes were staining the expensive carpet that covered the floor of the Rivershold drawing-room and leaving marks on it. But Lord Draymore and his friend understood the parson's embarrassment and delicately ignored it; they had servants who would always remove the dust and dirt.
– Thank you," said Pastor Glowford briefly, and sat down in the chair offered him.
– Tea, Reverend? Or perhaps you'd prefer freshly brewed coffee? – The Count asked him and rang the bell for the servants.
– Oh, no, not at all… – the parson was embarrassed: the poverty in which he lived was closer to his heart than the luxury that now surrounded him.
– Don't be embarrassed: it is a long journey from Walsingham to Rivershold, and you must be tired," said Lord Draymore, and ordered the maid to bring tea and toast for the parson. – Tell me about your parishioners. As Landlord, I am very interested in their lives. My secretary is in the village at the moment, but I would like to hear from someone who knows the people better than anyone else," the Count said to the parson as soon as the maid had left the drawing room.