“But—my dear—” she said faintly. “That’s the very worst part of Nearminster. Full of dirty, wicked people. You ought to know nothing of such places. And I don’t like to hear you mispronounce words, it might grow into a habit. It’s not at all nice.”
“We only call it so because Kettles did, you see,” said Pennie. “She didn’t look at all wicked, and old Nurse says her mother is a decent woman. Her face was rather dirty, perhaps. She’s got a bad father. He drinks—like lots of the people at Easney—”
“I am sorry to hear,” interrupted Miss Unity, drawing himself up, “that Mrs Margetts allowed you to see such a person at all, or to hear anything of her relations. I am afraid she forgot herself.”
“She couldn’t help it,” said Pennie eagerly. “Nancy and I were at tea with her, and Kettles came in for the tea-leaves, and had some bread and honey. And we asked Nurse to let her come and see us again, and she said ‘No, she knew her duty better.’ So we’ve never seen her since, but we’ve always wanted to. Her real name is Keturah. Nurse says it’s a Scripture name, but we think Kettles suits her best.” Pennie stopped to take breath.
“The dean was saying only the other day,” remarked Miss Unity stiffly, “that Anchor and Hope Alley is a scandal to Nearminster. A disgraceful place to be so near the precincts.”
“Does he go to see the people in it?” asked Pennie.
“The dean, my dear! He has other and far more important matters to attend to. It would be most unsuitable to the dignity of his position.”
“I knew Nancy was wrong,” said Pennie with some triumph. “She thought he might know Kettles’ father and mother, but I was quite sure he didn’t. Does anyone go to see them?” she added.
“I have no doubt they are visited by people properly appointed for the purpose,” said Miss Unity coldly; “and you see, Pennie, if they are good people they can come to church and enjoy all the church privileges as well as any one else.”
Pennie was silent. She could not fancy Kettles coming to church in that battered bonnet and those big boots. What a noise she would make, and how everyone would look at her!