. It's all very well
to say I'm wrong to go into the Church; but those who say so might as well tell
me to go into the backwoods.«
    Fred's voice had taken a tone of grumbling remonstrance, and Mr. Farebrother
might have been inclined to smile if his mind had not been too busy in imagining
more than Fred told him.
    »Have you any difficulties about doctrines - about the Articles?« he said,
trying hard to think of the question simply for Fred's sake.
    »No; I suppose the Articles are right. I am not prepared with any arguments
to disprove them, and much better, cleverer fellows than I am go in for them
entirely. I think it would be rather ridiculous in me to urge scruples of that
sort, as if I were a judge,« said Fred, quite simply.
    »I suppose, then, it has occurred to you that you might be a fair parish
priest without being much of a divine?«
    »Of course, if I am obliged to be a clergyman, I shall try and do my duty,
though I mayn't like it. Do you think anybody ought to blame me?«
    »For going into the Church under the circumstances? That depends on your
conscience, Fred - how far you have counted the cost, and seen what your
position will require of you. I can only tell you about myself, that I have
always been too lax, and have been uneasy in consequence.«
    »But there is another hindrance,« said Fred, colouring. »I did not tell you
before, though perhaps I may have said things that made you guess it. There is
somebody I am very fond of: I have loved her ever since we were children.«
    »Miss Garth, I suppose?« said the Vicar, examining some labels very closely.
    »Yes. I shouldn't mind anything if she would have me. And I know I could be
a good fellow then.«
    »And you think she returns the feeling?«
    »She never will say so; and a good while ago she made me promise not to
speak to her about it again. And she has set her mind especially against my
being a clergyman; I know that. But I can't give her up. I do think she cares
about me. I saw Mrs. Garth last night, and she said that Mary was staying at
Lowick Rectory with Miss Farebrother.«
    »Yes, she is very kindly helping my sister. Do you
