‘Mrs. Merrifield and the rest of us are inclined to think that what stands highest of all with us is endangered by mixed schools,’ said Mr. Doyle.
‘Oh!’ Arthurine opened her eyes; ‘but education does all that!’
‘Education does, but knowledge is not wisdom. Susan Merrifield’s influence has done more for our young women than the best class teaching could do.’
‘Oh, but the Merrifields are all so bornés and homely; they stand in the way of all culture.’
‘Indeed,’ said the Vicar, who had in his pocket a very favourable review of MESA’s new historical essay.
‘Surely an old-fashioned squire and Lady Bountiful and their very narrow daughters should not be allowed to prevent improvement, pauperise the place, and keep it in its old grooves.’
‘Well, we shall see what you think by the time you have lived here long enough to be eligible for—what?’
‘School manager, guardian of the poor!’ cried Arthurine.
‘We shall see,’ repeated the Vicar. ‘Good-morning.’
He asked Bessie’s leave to disclose who MESA was.