'You need not disturb yourself, wife,' said her husband presently. 'Young men must have a turn at being fools, once in a way. It is not much in Pitt's way; but, however, it seems his turn has come. There are worse types of the disorder. I would rather have this Puritan scruple to deal with than some other things. The religious craze passes off easier than a fancy for drinking or gambling; it is hot while it lasts, but it is easier to cure.'
'But Pitt is so persistent!'
'In other things. You will see it will not be so with this.'
'He's very persistent,' repeated the mother. 'He always did stick to anything he once resolved upon.'
'He is not resolved upon this yet. Distraction is the best thing, not talk. Where's Betty Frere? I thought she was coming.'
'She is coming. She will be here in a few days. I cannot imagine what has set Pitt upon this strange way of thinking. He has got hold of some Methodist or some other dreadful person; but where? It couldn't be at Oxford; and I am certain it was never in Uncle Strahan's house; where could it be?'
'Methodism began at Oxford, my dear.'
'It is one mercy that the Gainsboroughs are gone.'
'Yes,' said her husband; 'that was well done. Does he know?'
'I have never told him. He will be asking about them directly.'