“Why need she have explained at all? No other woman would have thought of doing so. Why should a clergyman’s wife be expected to explain her private affairs to any inquisitive stranger? Surely it is her own business what she puts on her own table?” This from Jack, in a burst of querulous impatience which brought his host’s eyes upon him with an answering flash.
“If a woman in a public position provides what is obviously unsuited to her means, the least she can do is to offer an explanation. A clergyman’s means do not run to expensive entertainments.”
“Exactly; yet he is expected to entertain, and to humble his pride to do it in an inferior style to his neighbours. And his wife is expected to accept paltry gifts from her neighbours which another woman in her position would look upon as an insult, and to be thankful for the chance. I suppose she often is thankful, poor creature, as she has not the means of providing properly for herself.”
Mr Farrell put down his knife and fork, and, leaning back in his seat, stared fixedly in Jack’s face. His thin lips worked, and his eyes gleamed ominously.
“May I ask if you are speaking in general terms, or individually of the clergyman’s wife in my own parish?”
Jack shrugged his shoulders.
“Oh, I suppose she would be included, since her husband’s income is insufficient for her needs.”
“You are aware, of course, that I am responsible for that income?”
“I suppose so—in a way, since the living is in your gift.”
“And what grounds may you have for considering it insufficient?”