“To our friend there,” the younger man continued, “the whole world’s a congregation—­and, by Jove, here comes the text.”

For the bishop had deliberately cleared his throat, and leaning forward addressed Brooks across the table.

“I believe,” he said, “that I have the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Brooks—­Mr. Kingston Brooks?”

“That is my name,” Brooks answered civilly, wondering what avalanche was to be hurled upon him.

“Would you consider a question, almost a personal question, from a stranger an impertinence—­when the stranger is twice your age?” the bishop asked.

“By no means,” Brooks answered.  “On the contrary, I should be delighted to answer it if I can.”

“These aspersions which Mr.—­er—­Lavilette has been making so freely in his paper against your new departure—­I mean against the financial management of it—­do you propose to answer them?”

“Well,” Brooks said, “I have not altogether made up my mind.  Perhaps your lordship would permit me—­since you have mentioned the matter—­to ask for your advice.”

The bishop inclined his head.  This was by no means the truculent sort of young man he had expected.

“You are very welcome to it, Mr. Brooks,” he answered.  “I should advise you most earnestly to at once justify yourself,—­not to Mr. Lavilette, but to the readers of his paper whom he may have influenced by his statements.  One charitable institution, however different its foundation, or its method of working, or its ultimate aims, leans largely upon another.  Mr. Lavilette’s attack, if unanswered, may affect the public mind with regard to many other organizations which are grievously in need of support.”

“If that is your opinion,” Brooks said, after a moment’s hesitation, “I will take the steps you suggest, and set myself right at once.”

“If you can do that thoroughly and clearly,” the bishop said, “you will render a service to the whole community.”

“There should not be much difficulty,” Brooks remarked, helping himself to omelette.  “I never appealed for subscriptions, but directly they began to come in I engaged a clerk and a well-known firm of auditors, through whose banking-account all the money has passed.  They have been only too anxious to take the matter up.”

“I am more than pleased at your decision, Mr. Brooks,” the bishop said, genially.  “I rejoice at it.  You will pardon my remarking that you seem very young to have inaugurated and to carry the whole responsibility of a work of such magnitude.”

“The work,” Brooks answered, “has largely grown of itself.  But I have an excellent staff of helpers.”

“The sole responsibility though rests with you.

“I am arranging to evade it,” Brooks answered.  “I am going to adopt commercial methods and inaugurate a Board of Directors.”

The bishop hesitated.