“So I did,” replied Mr. Simpson, urbanely, “and I believe the investment to be a good one.  There is no better power in this part of the country than Psalter’s Falls.”

“I wished to inform you that I do not intend to go into the Light and Power Company,” said Chiltern.

“I am sorry to hear it,” Mr. Simpson declared.  “In my opinion, if you searched the state for a more profitable or safer thing, you could not find it.”

“I have no doubt the investment is all that could be desired, Mr. Simpson.  I merely wished you to know, as soon as possible, that I did not intend to put my money into it.  There are one or two other little matters which you have mentioned during the week.  You pointed out that it would be an advantage to Grenoble to revive the county fair, and you asked me to subscribe five thousand dollars to the Fair Association.”

This time Mr. Simpson remained silent.

“I have come to the conclusion, to-day, not to subscribe a cent.  I also intend to notify the church treasurer that I will not any longer rent a pew, or take any further interest in the affairs of St. John’s church.  My wife was kind enough, I believe, to send five hundred dollars to the Grenoble hospital.  That will be the last subscription from any member of my family.  I will resign as a director of the Grenoble Bank to-morrow, and my stock will be put on the market.  And finally I wished to tell you that henceforth I do not mean to aid in any way any enterprise in Grenoble.”

During this announcement, which had been made with an ominous calmness, Mr. Simpson had gazed steadily at the brass andirons.  He cleared his throat.

“My dear Hugh,” said he, “what you have said pains me excessively-excessively.  I—­ahem—­fail to grasp it.  As an old friend of your family—­of your father—­I take the liberty of begging you to reconsider your words.”

Chiltern’s eyes blazed.

“Since you have mentioned my father, Mr. Simpson,” he exclaimed, “I may remind you that his son might reasonably have expected at your hands a different treatment than that you have accorded him.  You have asked me to reconsider my decision, but I notice that you have failed to inquire into my reasons for making it.  I came back here to Grenoble with every intention of devoting the best efforts of my life in aiding to build up the community, as my father had done.  It was natural, perhaps, that I should expect a little tolerance, a little friendliness, a little recognition in return.  My wife was prepared to help me.  We did not ask much.  But you have treated us like outcasts.  Neither you nor Mrs. Simpson, from whom in all conscience I looked for consideration and friendship, have as much as spoken to Mrs. Chiltern in church.  You have made it clear that, while you are willing to accept our contributions, you cared to have nothing to do with us whatever.  If I have overstated the case, please correct me.”