25

CHAPTER II.

NEW FACES AND OLD FEUDS.

There was, no doubt, some excuse for the
interest that the ladies at Millstead Manor had
betrayed on hearing the name of Father
Stafford. In these days, when the discussion
of theological topics has emerged from the
study into the street, there to jostle persons
engaged in their lawful business, a man who
makes for himself a position as a prominent
champion of any view becomes to a consider¬
able extent a public character; and Charles
Stafford's career had excited much notice.
Although still a young man but little past
thirty, he was adored by a powerful body of
followers, and received the even greater com¬
pliment of hearty detestation from all, both
within and without the Church, to whom his
views seemed dangerous and pernicious. He
had administered a large parish with distinction;
he had written a treatise of profound patristic
learning and uncompromising sacerdotal pre¬
tensions. He had defended the institution of
a celibate priesthood, and was known to have
treated the Reformation with even less respect
than it has been of late accustomed to receive.