"
"That is just what my mother used to say. I was a Burton, you
remember. They were large tanners in Northamptonshire, and she did
not like my going to a shop. But you know, Mrs. Broad, you had
better be in a shop and have plenty of everything, and not have to
pinch and screw, than have a brass knocker on your door, and not be
able to pay for the clothes you wear. That's my belief, at any
rate."
The dart entered Mrs. Broad's soul. She remembered some
"procrastination"--to use her husband's favourite word--in settling a
draper's bill, even when it was diminished by the pew rent, and she
wondered if Mrs. Allen knew the facts. Of course she did; all
Cowfold knew every fact connected with everybody in the town. She
discerned it was best to retreat.
"I wished to tell you, Mrs. Allen, that we do not intend to offer the
least objection"--she thought that perhaps a little professional
unction might reduce her antagonist--"and I am sure I pray that God
will bless their union."
"As I said before, Mrs. Broad, neither shall we object. We shall let
George do as he likes. He is a real good boy, worth a princess, and
if he chooses to have Miss Broad, we shan't hinder him.
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