"I have just discovered its existence with feelings of horror. That such a thing should be permitted to be is a national disgrace. Mr. Harding, you will be astounded to learn that the curate of Exdale is one of its chief contributors.
"Scarcely, I think, one of its chief contributors."
Mrs. Harding struck an attitude.
"Is it possible that you are already aware that your ostensible colleague in the great task of snatching souls from the burning has all the time been doing Satan's work?"
"My dear!--really!"
"You know very well that I have objected to Mr. Plumber from the first. I have suspected the man. Now that my suspicions are more than verified, it is certain that he must go. The question is, when? Of course, before next Sunday."
"You move too fast, Sophia."
"In such a matter as this it is impossible to move too fast. Read that."
Turning over a page of the paper, Mrs. Harding pointed to a "copy of verses."
"Thank you, my dear, but, if you will permit me, I prefer to remain excused. I have no taste for that species of literature just now."