Miss Simpson stared, and Mrs Sommers laughed softly, albeit she did not consider this quizzing altogether fair.
“The publications you refer to are not of the same nature as the Parish Magazine,” the visitor observed crushingly. “Our magazine is a purely local pamphlet for local circulation. It deals solely with parish matters.”
Mrs Chadwick considered this dull, but she did not say so. She appeared politely impressed.
“That must be very interesting to—to Moresby inhabitants,” she said gravely.
“That is its object,” Miss Simpson returned. “Most parishes have their magazines. The people like to know what takes place locally; and they find it all noted down.”
She spoke with the laboured forbearance of one who seeks to instruct a very ignorant person on a subject which should not have required explanation.
“Our magazine is a new venture,” she added, with the conscious pride of the literary aspirant. “I started it last year. I edit it.”
“Indeed!” Mrs Chadwick’s tone expressed admiration. “Please put me down as an annual subscriber.”
Miss Simpson unbent.
“I shall be delighted. It is a monthly pamphlet, issued at one penny.”