There was no definite creed for guidance in these matters, and eight or ten men with strong, rugged wills about L, _s_., _d_., each thinking highly of his own discretion in monetary affairs, and rather indifferently of the minister's gifts in this direction, were not likely to have always harmonious sessions.
They had had a decidedly inharmonious one early in January of 184-, and Deacon Callendar had spoken his mind with his usual blunt directness.

He had been a good deal nettled at the minister's attitude, for, instead of seconding his propositions, Dr.Morrison had sat with a faraway, indifferent look, as if the pending discussion was entirely out of his range of interest.

John could have borne contradiction better.

An argument would have gratified him.

But to have the speech and statistics which he had so carefully prepared fall on the minister's ear without provoking any response was a great trial of his patience.