"How could I tell you? We never see you at the château."
"Where, then, could I learn the alteration of which you speak? Have I seen any effects of it? Do you ever visit our poor? Have you given good advice to our young girls? Have you procured work for their mothers? You talk of superintending a school of industry; do you even know how to hem a duster? It is said that you do not. No, Miss Caroline; go and play on the piano, work at your embroidery, amuse yourself, but do not pretend to teach others: there we can do without you."
"Oh! how severe you are, Monsieur le Curé," said poor Caroline.
"I am but just, Miss Caroline. I am aware that this is not the way they speak to you at the château; but things are not the better for that."
"Why have you not given me good advice? I should have profited by it."
"To be sure I ought to have done so, in order that M. de Manzay might ridicule it!"
"My father has never ridiculed you, Monsieur le Curé."
"That is hardly probable. He opposes me constantly. Not a week ago he prevented the municipal council from doing what I requested: he had the upper hand then, now it is my turn. Good evening, Miss Caroline; you will not establish your school."
Caroline repulsed by the Curé, p. 332.