"It's very good of you," said Rachel; but she bit her lip feeling humiliated in the extreme.
Mrs. Greville was not long in discovering things which would have to be done without. For instance, she explained to Rachel she could make quite nice puddings without eggs. Considering the expense of eggs, 4d each, it was ruinous to follow the cookery books which prescribed more than one in quite simple puddings. A great deal of money had been thrown away on unnecessary eggs and they mounted up at once. Then it was much better in these days to have margarine rather than butter. She never used anything but margarine herself, and really you would not know the difference.
Rachel sat by her side smiling. Not being a housekeeper all these economies seemed so paltry to her, and yet she knew they were necessary. She had of her own will married a poor clergyman, and must bear the consequences. And Mrs. Greville was being very kind; and giving as little pain as possible. Her feelings towards Rachel had somewhat changed since that Sunday on which she had gathered the girls' choir together. It had struck her mother-in-law as a sporting action on her part and had pleased her. And now, for the sake of her son, she was very anxious not to hurt his wife's sensitive spirit more than necessary, but she had no idea how galling the whole thing was to her pride.
And Rachel was bent on her not guessing it. So she sat by her side smiling, and watching her mother-in-law making notes for her as to the things that were really necessary to have and those which were mere luxuries.
"I fear you must give up all luxuries, I hope Luke told you how poor he is, when he asked you to share his poverty with him?" she said laughing. Rachel joined in the laugh.
"We had much more interesting things to talk about," she answered. "Luke's mind does not run on such matters as eggs and margarine."
"That's true," said Mrs. Greville. "The fact is, that some of the poorest people are the clergy. It ought not to be so. They should not have to worry about eggs and margarine as you say, they have so much more important things to think of and they should be spared that. Besides they are expected to help in every bit of work that goes on in the parish. Unless they have property of their own the worry of pounds, shillings, and pence, weighs them down. Happily, as you say, Luke does not worry himself about those kind of things, but then he has a wife and mother to worry for him. If he had not he would have less time and strength to think of his people. I don't suppose many realise how the clergy suffer from poverty, for they suffer in silence."
"Well I hope Luke won't ever be reduced to wearing a coat green from age, as a poor man in our part of the world at home has to do. Not that I suppose Luke would notice if his coat were all colours of the rainbow."
Mrs. Greville laughed, and said goodbye while at the door she turned back to say:
"Remember, not so many eggs, and margarine instead of butter. You'll find that makes a difference very soon."