"Why, just as much use, I hope," said Mrs. Barclay, smiling. "Why not? The more education a woman has, the more fit she is to content a man of education, anywhere."
"Where's she to get a man of education?" said Charity. "What you mean by that don't grow in these parts. We ain't savages exactly, but there ain't many accomplishments scattered through the village. Unless, as you say, bread-makin's one. We do know how to make bread, and cake, with anybody; Lois said she didn't see a bit o' real good cake all the while she was in Gotham; and we can cure hams, and we understand horses and cows, and butter and cheese, and farming, of course, and that; but you won't find your man of education here, or Lois won't."
"She may find him somewhere else," said Mrs. Barclay, looking at
Charity over her coffee-cup.
"Then he won't be the right kind," persisted Charity; while Lois laughed, and begged they would not discuss the question of her possible "finds"; but Mrs. Barclay asked, "How not the right kind?"
"Well, every place has its sort," said Charity. "Our sort is religious. I don't know whether we're any better than other folks, but we're religious; and your men of accomplishments ain't, be they?"
"Depends on what you mean by religious."
"Well, I mean godly. Lois won't ever marry any but a godly man."
"I hope not!" said Mrs. Armadale.
"She won't," said Charity; "but you had better talk to Madge, mother. I am not so sure of her. Lois is safe."
"'The fashion of this world passeth away,'" said the old lady, with a gravity which was yet sweet; "'but the word of the Lord endureth for ever.'"