Banks and Mann retired to the study. Having served the two men with port and cigars, the butler added a final scuttle of coal to the fire then nodded goodnight.

‘You have an impressive family, Banks.’

The Vicar of Halifax smiled.

‘Thank you, Temple – if I may be so bold as to call you thus. And do call me Percy. We have known each other for many years, after all!’

‘Of course. I was just thinking: “Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, when they speak with their enemies in the gate”.’

‘Psalm 128, verse 5! You know your Bible well! I would not have expected an Organist, even of your standing, to be so well versed in the scriptures.’

&l...

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