The Viscount and Mr. Morris went to the green (as it was impossible to arrange a real golf course in the centre of London), chose a club, took the balls and made the first shot.
– Now, Mr. Morris, I suppose you have come to talk about Walsingham? – The viscount asked decisively, watching his ball roll across the grass. – I have perused your letters and telegrams, and I must say I am impressed by your responsibility and detail.
– Thank you, sir," said the flattered doctor modestly.
– How did you spend your time at the estate? – The Viscount inquired.
– Fascinating, sir. I was not bored at all: I watched the restoration, the life in the village, I talked with Mr. Pilough, we often exchanged views, and, besides, I had daily intercourse with the lovely Miss Cassandra," the doctor said readily.
Viscount Wilworth grinned: he had supposed that the elderly doctor would not be able to resist Cassie's charm and sincerity.
– I see you are very fond of this girl," the lord said with a smile. – You devote a whole page to her in every letter you write.
– Yes, sir, what can I say, she has charmed me. I have even thought it would be nice to have a daughter like Miss Cassie, but healthy, of course. I feel genuinely sorry for her and am thrown into real horror by the conditions in which she spends her whole life. Even the slum-dwellers of London don't live as miserably as the people of Walsingham," sighed Mr. Morris, and took his shot.
– You are quite right, Mr. Morris," said the viscount: he felt the same pity and sympathy for Cassie as the doctor. – But I'm afraid the villagers are not only ignorant of their poverty but cherish it. Moreover, on this ground I met with the strongest opposition: I offered Pastor Glowford to rebuild his house, or to move his family into a new one, but the old man refused, just as he refused my wish to cure Miss Cassandra. Besides, the parson made it very clear to me that he would never accept help from anyone.
– Did he, sir? What a pity! Faith has clouded his judgement, if he does not wish his daughter to recover! – replied the doctor, who had not previously realised that the parson was such a strange man.
– I agree. But not only he, but the whole village breathes Anglicanism. It's the first time I've seen such fervent followers of the faith.