‘It was not their fault that she did not act as a mother-in-law. Edna has told me of the unpleasantness of being at home on account of the young men.’
‘Exactly! I was spared none of the chances she might have had, but the only thing worthy of note was about a cashier who surreptitiously brought a friend from the “hopera,” to overhear her singing hymns on the Sunday evening, and thus led to an offer on his part to have her brought out on the stage.’
‘Ha! could that have come to anything?’
‘No. Mrs. Murrell’s suspicions took that direction, and we hunted down the cashier and the friend, but they were quite
exonerated. It only proves that her voice has an unfortunate value.’
‘If she be gone off with the Italian bass, I can’t say I think it a fatal sign that she was slow to present him to her domestic Mause Headrigg, who no doubt would deliberately prefer the boards of her coffin to the boards of the theatre. Well, come along—we will get a letter from Charles, and rescue her—I mean, clear her.’
‘Won’t you look into school, and see how we go on? The women complained so much of having their children on their hands, though I am sure they had sent them to school seldom enough of late, that I got this young woman from Mrs. Stuart’s asylum till the holidays. I think we shall let her stay on, she has a good deal of method, and all seem pleased with the change.’
‘You have your wish of a fright. No, I thank you! I’m not so glad as the rest of you to get rid of refinement and superiority.’
There was no answer, and more touched by silence than reply, she hastily said, ‘Never mind! I dare say she may do better for the children, but you know, I, who am hard of caring for any one, did care for poor Edna, and I can’t stand pæans over your new broom.’
Mr. Prendergast gave a smile such as was only evoked by his late rector’s little daughter, and answered, ‘No one can be more concerned than I. She was not in her place here, that was certain, and I ought to have minded that she was not thrust into temptation. I shall remember it with shame to my dying day.’