"
"What did she say?"
"That she was not surprised, for she hardly thought Thomas was fitted
for it."
The minister looked grave and perplexed, for Mr. Allen was in trade,
and was a deacon. Mrs. Broad proceeded:
"I am quite sure Thomas ought to be a minister; and I am quite sure,
too, he ought to leave Cowfold and go to college."
"Don't you think this event might be procrastinated; the expense
would be considerable."
"Well, my dear, Fanny Allen came here to tea the day before
yesterday. When she went away she could not find her clogs. I was
on the landing, and saw what happened, though they did not think it.
Fanny's brother was waiting outside. Priscilla had gone somewhere
far the moment--I don't know where--and Tryphosa was upstairs.
Thomas said he would look for the clogs, and presently I saw him
fastening them for her. Then he walked with her down the garden. I
just went into the front bedroom and looked. It was not very dark,
and,--well, I may be mistaken, but I do believe--" The rest of the
sentence was wanting. Mrs. Broad stopped at this point. She felt it
was more becoming to do so. She shifted on her chair with a fidgety
motion, threw her head back a little, looked up at the portrait of
Dr.
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