Even the bright-haired Rose, idly swinging her pretty foot, with a head full of dreams and discontent was beguiled, and for the moment seemed to lose her restless self in listening.
He told an exciting story of a bad election riot in Oxford, which had been quelled at considerable personal risk by Mr.Grey, who had gained his influence in the town by a devotion of years to the policy of breaking down as far as possible the old venomous feud between city and university.
When he paused Mrs.Leyburn said, vaguely, 'Did you say he was a canon of somewhere ?' 'Oh, no,' said Robert, smiling, 'he is not a clergyman.' 'But you said he preached,' said Agnes.
'Yes--but lay sermons--addresses.

He is not one of us even, according to your standard and mine.' A Nonconformist ?' sighed Mrs.Leyburn.

'Oh, I know they have let in everybody now.' 'Well, if you like,' said Robert.

'What I meant was that his opinions are not orthodox.

He could not be a clergyman, but he is one of the noblest of men!' He spoke with affectionate warmth.