The congregation dispersed in a buzz of talk and curiosity. Everybody wanted to know where the minister had gone, and what had taken him away. I cant say as I think hes using of us well, said somebody, whom Mrs. Vincent could hear as she made her way to the door. Business of his own! a minister aint got no right to have business of his own, leastways on Sundays. Preachings his business. I dont hold with that notion. Hes in our employ, and we pays him well
Here a whisper from some charitable bystander directed the speakers eyes to Mrs. Vincent, who was close behind.
Well! it aint nothing to me who hears me, said this rebellious member, not without a certain vulgar
pleasure in his power of insult. We pays him well, as I say; I have to stick to my business well or ill, and I dont see no reason why the minister should be different. If he dont mind us as pays him, why, another will.
Oh, Ive been waiting to catch your eye, said Mrs. Pigeon, darting forward at this crisis to Mrs. Tufton; wasnt that a sweet sermon? thats refreshing, that is! I havent listened to anything as has roused me up like that no, not since dear Mr. Tufton came first to Carlingford; as for what weve been hearing of late, I dont say its not clever, but, oh, its cold! and for them as like good gospel preaching and rousing up, I must confess as Mr. Vincent
Hush! Mrs. Pigeon Mrs. Vincent, said Mrs. Tufton, hurriedly; you two ladies should have been introduced at the first. Mr. Pigeon is one of our deacons and leading men, Mrs. Vincent, and I dont doubt youve often and often heard your son talking of him. We are always discussing Mr. Vincent, because he is our own pastor now, you know; and a precious young man he is and all that he wants is a little experience, as Mr. Tufton always says.
Oh, I am sorry! I beg your pardon, Im sure, cried Mrs. Pigeon; but I am one as always speaks my mind, and dont go back of my word. Folks as sees a deal of the minister, continued the poulterers wife, not without a glance at that cherry-coloured bonnet which had nodded during the sermon, and to which poor Mrs. Vincent felt a certain gratitude, may know different; but me as dont have much chance, except in chapel, I will say as I think he wants speaking to: most folks do specially young folks, when theyre making a start in the world. Hes too high, he is, for us plain Salem folks; what we want is a man as preaches gospel sermons real rousing-up discourses and sits down pleasant to his tea, and makes hisself friendly. I never was one as thought a minister couldnt do wrong. I always said as they were just like other men, liking grand dinners and grand folks, and the vanities of this world; not meaning no offence, Mrs. Vincent, neither to you nor the minister but I must say as I think, hes a deal too high.
My son has had very good training, said the widow, not without dignity. His dear father had many good friends who have taken an interest in him. He has always been accustomed to good society, and I must say, at the same time, added Mrs. Vincent, that I never knew Arthur to fail in courtesy to the poorer brethren. If he has done so, I am sure it has been unintentionally. It is quite against my principles and his dear fathers to show any respect to persons. If he has shown any neglect of Mrs. Pigeons family, continued the mild diplomatist, it must have been because he thought them less, and not more in need of him than the rest of the flock.
Mrs. Pigeon listened with open mouth, but total discomfiture: whether this was a compliment or a reprimand was totally beyond her power to make out. She cried, Oh, Im sure! in a tone which was half defensive and half deprecating. Mrs. Pigeon, however, intended nothing less than to terminate the conversation at this interesting point, and it was with utter dismay that she perceived Mrs. Vincent sweep past before she had recovered herself sweep past though that black silk gown was of very moderate dimensions, and the trim little figure was noways majestic. The ministers mother made a curtsy to the astonished wife of the poulterer; she said good morning with a gracious bow, and went upon her way before Mrs. Pigeon had recovered her breath. Perfect victory attended the gentle widow in this little passage of arms. Her assailant fell back, repeating in a subdued tone, Well, Im sure! Mrs. Pigeon, like Tozer, granted that the ministers mother was quite the lady, henceforward, in her heart.
And Mrs. Vincent passed on victorious; yes, victorious, and conscious of her victory, though giddy with secret anguish, and feeling as if every obstacle that hindered her return was a conscious cruelty. They could not have arrived this morning it was impossible; yet she burned to get back to see whether impossibility might not be accomplished for once, and Susan be there awaiting her. The first to detain her was Mrs. Tufton, who hurried, with added respect, after her, triumphing secretly in Mrs. Pigeons defeat.
I am so glad you gave her her answer, said Mrs. Tufton; bless me! how pleased Adelaide will be when I tell her! I always said it would be well for a ministers wife to have a spirit. Wont you come and take a bit of dinner with us, as Mr. Vincent is not at home? Oh, I daresay somebody will ask Mr. Beecher. It does not do to pay too much attention to the young men that come to preach though I think he was clever. You wont come? a headache? poor dear! Youre worrying