“Approve of it, sir? No, nor anybody else, except her foolish father, who’s the best and kindest man in the world: only when he takes an obstinate craze there’s no turning him.”
The vicar found the matter already to his hand, and was spared the trouble of introducing the subject; but he would rather have found Joe Banks present.
“Does he approve of it?” he said, quietly.
“Approve of it, sir! yes. I tell him, and all his neighbours tell him, that it’s a bit of foolish vanity; but they can’t turn him a morsel.”
“Hallo, moother,” said Joe Banks, entering the room, “can’t you let that rest?”
“No, Joe, and I never shall,” exclaimed Mrs Banks.
“Don’t you tak’ any notice, sir,” said Joe. “She heven’t talked you round, hev she?”
“No, Mr Banks,” said the vicar, quietly; “it was not necessary. I have no right to interfere in these matters, but—”
“Well, speak out, sir; speak out,” said Joe, rather sternly. “Say out like a man what you mean.”
“If I did, Mr Banks, I should say that you were imprudent to let this matter proceed.”