She liked to appeal to Mrs. Manning's strong sense of humour, and used it for her own ends.
"But, Elsie darling, putting aside Miss Chatterton."
"Most willingly, mother, and her plans for Mr. Gilmour, to which I really believe he would object, if he knew about them."
"Do be serious, Elsie, I want to talk of yourself, not of Miss Chatterton."
Elsie manifested immediate alacrity, and suggested that the change would be an improvement.
"Dear, it is about Mr. Gilmour, also."
"A further improvement, he being so much better than I am and feel I ought to be. He is always trying to influence me for good—I am afraid with but little success so far. You may trust him, mother."
"I do, darling; but I want you to be a wise child, and give no one cause to say a harsh word of you. Remember, the eyes of the parish and congregation are always on a young clergyman. For his Master's sake, as well as for his own, he must give no occasion for fault-finding."
"I know, mother, and so does Mr. Gilmour, and acts upon it."
"Mind you do not let Miss Chatterton have cause to talk about any of your doings, my child. She represents a little world."