"If they take your advice," said the Squire dryly, "there will be no chance of their rising in the world."
"Why should they try to rise?" demanded Mrs. Sparrow, coming to her husband's aid.
"Well, my dear lady, it is said that the common or garden millionaire usually starts his pile with the proverbial halfpenny. If he accepted your husband's ruling, he would never attempt to rise."
"It is divinely ordained that some people must be high and some low."
"Rather hard on the low people. I think every one should be dissatisfied, myself: that is the only thing that makes for progress."
"Did you promulgate this extraordinary doctrine in the village, Mr. Enistor?"
"No!" replied the Squire, glancing at the parson, who spoke. "Why?"
"Because some of my parishioners are very dissatisfied indeed. Mrs. Trevel was hard up last winter, and prayed for money. She did not get it, and told me that she did not intend to pray any more, as it seemed useless."
"And what explanation did you give her?" asked Alice anxiously.