The elders, the deacons, the motherly dames, and the young and fair maidens, of Mr. Dimmesdale's flock, were alike importunate that he should make trial of the physician's frankly offered skill.
Partly because of the old Blair-Brown rancour, and partly because of Mr Brown's own failings, his premiership has been blighted by repeated attempts within his own party to oust him.
But just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, "Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment?"
The 64-year-old unpopular leader has said he will hand over power to a younger generation, but he has repeatedly resisted indicating when that will occur.