– 'Yes, thank God. And for that I should thank you," the parson bowed to him respectfully.
– Always at your service, Mr. Glowford. Mr. Morris has told me of your lodgings, and I should like to help you. He suggested that Miss Cassandra is ill so often because she is constantly breathing the smell of mould and damp into her delicate lungs, and shivering with cold in winter," said the Viscount, frowning.
Viscount Wilworth had taken an interest in the Glowford family, especially the youngest of them, Miss Cassandra, from his first days at his friend's estate. The case of the family itself and the girl's illness seemed to him out of the ordinary. The Viscount was deeply and unpleasantly surprised that the Anglican Church had forgotten Walsingham, who in turn had never forgotten her. The Viscount could not understand how Cassie's beautiful appearance was inhabited by such a weak mind: he thought that modern advances in medicine might have helped to develop her mind, but, as he became convinced, her father was strongly opposed to the interference of mortals "in the affairs of God". So, the Viscount abandoned the idea, but now wished to help the Glowfords in a material way: when Mr. Morris told him about the dreadful conditions in which the three girls and their father lived, he was simply horrified.
– I beg your pardon, sir, I don't quite understand what you're saying," the pastor interjected, but he realised it was about his family.
– I want to build your family a new and bigger house," said the Viscount bluntly, but he was afraid that the parson would refuse him here too.
– Your kindness knows no bounds, sir. – The parson made a courteous bow. – But I cannot live better than my parishioners: it would be a great sin before them and God. I will wait until Lord Draymore has rebuilt the village, for he has given his word that he will make us all happy.
– Your refusal is understood, Reverend," frowned the Viscount, unpleasantly surprised at the religiosity of this beggarly old man, who did not seem to understand the desperate need for this small and gratuitous favour on his part.
– I thank you for your help and your good endeavours. The Lord sees and will credit them to you when you stand before Him," the pastor said softly, sensing the noble lord's displeasure.