He had risen to its full limit of possibilities, and preached a great sermon in a manner which he at least knew was unapproachable.

He had made his most powerful bid for the prize place, had trebly deserved success--and had been banished instead to Octavius! The curious thing was that he did not resent his failure.

Alice had taken it hard, but he himself was conscious of a sense of spiritual gain.

The influence of the Conference, with its songs and seasons of prayer and high pressure of emotional excitement, was still strong upon him.

It seemed years and years since the religious side of him had been so stirred into motion.