But what could she have been with such
surroundings? The time had passed when religion could be talked on
week-days, and the present time, when ministers' children learn
French, German, and Latin, and read selected plays of Shakespeare,
had not come. Miss Priscilla Broad found it very difficult, also, to
steer her course properly amongst the young men in Cowfold. Mrs.
Broad would not have permitted any one of them for a moment to dream
of an alliance with her family. As soon might a Princess of the
Blood Royal unite herself with an ordinary knight. Miss Broad,
however, as her resources within herself were not particularly
strong, thought about little or nothing else than ensnaring the
hearts of the younger Cowfold males--that is to say, the hearts which
were converted, and yet she encouraged none of them, save by a
general acceptance of little attentions, by little mincing smiles,
and little mincing speeches.
"Such a beautiful day," said George, "and such pleasant company!"
"Really, Mr. Allen, don't you think it would have been pleasanter for
you in front?"
"What did you say, my dear?" came immediately from her mother, the
ever-watchful dragon just before them.
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