He wouldn't listen.

And think of your own congregation." "Confound my congregation!" "Why, Mr.Ellery!" She looked at him in amazement; then her lips began to curl.
"Why, Mr.Ellery!" she repeated.
The minister turned very red and drew his hand across his forehead.
"I--I don't mean that exactly," he stammered.

"But I'm not a child.

I have the right to exercise a man's discretion.

My parish committee must understand that.