“Yes, but the warders swear, too. Why should Mr. Hawes take it all to himself?”
“Oh! if the turnkeys swear, then it was not so strictly personal.”
“To be sure,” put in Mr. Jones inadvertently, “I believe they learned it of the governor.”
“There you see! Well, and even if they did not, why preach against the turnkeys? why preach at any individuals or upon passing events at all? I can remember the time no clergyman throughout the length and breadth of the land noticed passing events from the pulpit.”
“I am as far from approving the practice as you are, sir.”
“In those days the clergy and the laity respected one another, and there was peace in the Church.”
“I can only repeat, sir, that I agree with you; the pulpit should be consecrated to eternal truths, not passing events.”
“Good! very good! Well, then?”
“What Mr. Hawes complains of was a mere accident.”
“An accident, Mr. Jones? Oh, Mr. Jones!”