"Do you think it is kind to deprive the young man of his situation?"
"In this case, Mrs. Belswin, I do. He is dissipated and neglects his business. He has the handling of money, and, seeing he is always betting on races, he may be tempted to--well, you know what I mean."
"I know this, sir," said Mrs. Belswin, with great spirit, "that you are about to act a most unworthy part. If this man is as you say, warn him, remonstrate with him, but don't take the bread out of his mouth by getting him dismissed. Charity covers a multitude of sins. That remark is in the Bible, I believe. If so, practise what you preach, and you will be far more respected than if you drive this man to despair by taking away his only means of livelihood. Good morning."
She bowed and walked off, leaving the curate staring after her with open mouth, the stream of his eloquence being for once dried up.
Reflections on the part of Mr. Gelthrip.--"Where has this woman been brought up that she manifests such little reverence for the cloth? A dangerous woman, I am afraid, and not at all suited to be the companion of Miss Pethram. I'm afraid I shall have to warn Sir Rupert about her as well as about Belk. As for Belk! it is my duty--my duty as a clergyman, to open his master's eyes to the deplorable state of this young man. He gambles, bets, plays cards, drinks, all these things entail money, and yet he spends far more than his salary, so I must warn Sir Rupert of his bailiffs real character. Now, Mrs. Belswin--ah!"
There was a good deal of spiteful meaning in the curate's "ah," and there was no doubt that Mrs. Belswin had made a bitter enemy of this well-meaning but meddlesome young man.
Reflections on the part of Mrs. Belswin.--"I've been preaching a sermon to a man whose duty it is to preach one to me. Saul among the prophets this time. I'm not sorry, for I hate those meek young men who make mischief under the pretence of doing good. Why are these clergymen so meddlesome? It's none of his business to enlighten Rupert about Belk. If Belk is dissipated, I know Rupert will find it out quick enough and discharge him. I shouldn't like to be either Rupert or the curate if such a thing does come to pass, for Belk is a most unforgiving man. I can see that in his face. I have made an enemy of this Rev. Meekness. Well, he can't harm me until Rupert comes home, and then--ah well, I'll see."
[CHAPTER X.]
A BOUDOIR CONSULTATION.
"If two ladies talk together,
Be it fine or rainy weather,