Well, indeed, thats just the thing, maam, said Mrs. Brown, who imagined herself addressed; we are fond of him. I always said he was an uncommon nice young man; and if he was but to settle down
That will come in time, said the ministers mother, graciously; and I am glad, for my part, that he has been away, for it shows me how his dear people feel towards him; and though he would have been, of course, better off in Liverpool, I would never consider that in comparison. They still want to have him, you know, and keep writing me letters, and him too, I dont doubt; but after what I have seen, I could never advise him to break the link that has been formed here. The connection between pastor and people is a sacred tie; it should never be broken, said Mrs. Vincent, with mild grandeur, for anything so poor as a money object; but my dear boy is far above any such consideration as that.
Ah! said Mrs. Pigeon, drawing a long breath of involuntary awe and admiration; and I dont doubt as the pastor would have been a deal better off in Liverpool, she added, after a pause, quite overpowered by that master-stroke.
Its a deal bigger a place, suggested Mrs. Tozer; and grander folks, I dont have a doubt, she too added, after an interval. This new idea took away their breath.
But, ah! what is that to affection, said Arthurs artful mother, when a minister has the love of his flock! My dear Mrs. Pigeon, though a mother is naturally anxious for her son, nothing on earth would induce me to advise him to break such a tie as that!
And indeed, maam, its as a Christian mother should act, gasped the poulterers subdued wife. Mrs. Brown made a little movement of admiring assent, much impressed with the fine sentiments of
the ministers mother. Phœbe put her handkerchief to her eyes, and Mr. Beecher found it was time for his train. Tell Vincent I am very glad to have been of use to him. We were all delighted in Omerton to hear of him making such an it, said Mr. Beecher, friendly but discomfited. He made his leave-taking all round, before Mrs. Vincent, at the height of victory, rose and went her way. Then she, too, shook hands, and blandly parted with the astonished women. They remained behind, and laid their heads together, much subdued, over this totally new light. She departed, gently victorious. This little demonstration had done her good. When she got out into the street, however, she fell down again into those depths of despair out of which she had risen so bravely for Arthurs sake. She began to plan how she and Susan could go away not to Lonsdale never again to Lonsdale but to some unknown place, and hide their shame-stricken heads. She was so weary and sick in her heart, it was almost a comfort to think of creeping into some corner, taking her poor darling into her arms, healing those dreadful wounds of hers, hiding her from the sight of men. This was what they must do as soon as her dearest child came back go to Scotland, perhaps, or into the primitive south country, where nobody knew them, or but softly, who was this?
A new claim upon the overworked anxious soul. At the door of her sons house stood a carriage an open carriage luxurious and handsome, with two fine horses impatiently pawing the air, and a very fine footman at the door, talking to the little maid. Within the carriage, the same beautiful young woman whom Mrs. Vincent remembered to have seen waving a lovely hand to Arthur. No doubt it was Lady Western. The beauty did not bewilder Mrs. Vincent as she had bewildered Mrs. Vincents son; but, with a thrill of mingled pride, admiration, and disapproval, she hastened forward at sight of her. Could she be asking for Arthur? and could Arthur have ventured to love that lovely creature in her radiance of wealth and rank? With a mothers involuntary self-delusion Mrs. Vincent looked at the beautiful vision as at Arthurs possible bride, and was proud and displeased at the same moment; proud, that anything so lovely and splendid was to fall to her sons lot disapproving, that Arthurs chosen should offer a mark of favour even to Arthur, so much more decided than accorded with the widows old-fashioned notion of what became a woman. Mrs. Vincent did not think of the other figure by Lady Westerns side a man of great height, very slight, and rapid in his movements, with a long brown beard, and thoughtful eyes eyes which lightened up and became as keen as they were dreamy, whenever occasion arose. Why should the widow look at him? She had nothing to do with him. This once in their life they were to come into momentary contact never more.
Mr. Vincent aint at home but oh, look year! heres his mother as can tell you better nor me, cried the half-frightened maid at the door.
His mother? said the beautiful creature in the carriage; she had alighted in a moment, and was by Mrs. Vincents side Oh, I am so glad to see Mr. Vincents mother! I am Lady Western he has told you of me? she said, taking the widows hand; take us in, please, and let us talk to you we will not tease you we have something important to say.