‘At this festive season, ma’am.’
A second glass was not offered, although Mrs. Mudge’s supply was liberal. Mr. Goacher did not stint himself.
‘There are beautiful churches in Northamptonshire, I believe, Miss Toller?’ said the reverend gentleman after the third glass.
‘Yes, very beautiful.’
‘Ah! that is delightful. To whatever school in the Establishment we belong, we cannot be insensible to the harmony between it and our dear old ivy-clad towers and the ancient gravestones. I love old country churches. I often wish my lot had been cast in a simple rural parish.’
Miss E. ‘Why do you not go?’
Mr. G. ‘My unfortunate throat; and besides, I believe I am really better fitted for an urban population.’
Miss E. ‘In what way?’
Mr. G. ‘Well, you see, Miss Everard, questions present themselves to our hearers in towns which do not naturally occur to the rustic mind—questions with which, if I may say so, I am perhaps fitted to deal. The rustic mind needs nothing more than a simple presentation of the Gospel.’
Miss E. ‘What kind of questions?’