Serious Charge

Howard Philips, the new Vicar, is young and eligible, and shortly after taking posession of his living, is fending off the attentions of Hester Byfield, a local woman. When he repulses her, she does not have far to look for revenge. She next visits the vicarage just as Howard is tussling with Larry Thompson, a vicious young tough, whom he had been reprimanding for his part in causing the death of a local girl. In Hester's presence, Larry accuses the Vicar of making advances and Hester maliciously spreads the news. The affair is to be made the subject of a parish enquiry, meanwhile, the Vicar is ostracised by the villagers. Later events prove Larry was lying but Howard finds he cannot forgive his persecutors as he knows he should. He feels unworthy of his calling, but he realises he must work out his salvation amongst his persecutor