about your daughter, I am sure; but I wouldnt, if I were you. Young girls in health dont take infection. Shell come back all right, youll see. Well good-bye. Dont come in the evening if you have a headache. I shouldnt, if I were you. Good-bye and to-morrow, if all is well, well look for you. Siloam Cottage just a little way past Salem you cant miss the way.
Yes, thank you to-morrow, said Mrs. Vincent. If only anybody could have known what dreadful work it was keeping up that smile, holding upright as she did! Then she went on a little way in peace, half-crazed with the misery that consumed her, yet unnaturally vigilant and on the alert, always holding up Arthurs standard at that critical hour when he had no representative but herself in his field of battle. But the poor mother was not long allowed this interval of peace. After a few minutes, the Tozers, who were going the same way, came up to her, and surrounded her like a bodyguard.
I liked that sermon, maam, said Tozer; there was a deal that was practical in that sermon. If ever we should be in the way of hearing candidates again and shortsighted creatures like us never knows whats a-going to happen Id put down that young mans name for an earing. There aint a word to be said again the ministers sermons in the matter of talent. Theyre full of mind, maam theyre philosophical, thats what they are; and the pews weve let in Salem since he come, proves it, let folks say what they will. But if there is a want, its in the application. He dont press it home upon their consciences, not as some on us expected; and Mr. Tufton being all in that line, as you may say, makes it show the more. If I was going to make a change again not as I mean nothing of the kind, nor as the Salem folks has ever took it into their heads Id like to have a little o both ways, thats what Id like.
When you get a minister of independent-mind, Mr. Tozer, if he gives you the best he has, he ought to be allowed to choose his own way, said Mrs. Vincent. My dear husband always said so, and he had great experience. Mr. Vincents son, I know, will never want friends.
I am sure as long as the minister keeps to his duty, hell always find friends in Tozer and me, said the deacons wife, striking in; and though there may be folks in a finer way, there aint no such good friends a pastor can have as in his own flock. As for hearing candidates and that, Tozer ought to know as none on us would hear of such a thing. I dont see no reason why Mr. Vincent shouldnt settle down in Carlingford and make himself comfortable. Were all his friends as long as hes at his post.
Oh, ma, I am sure he is at his post, cried Phoebe; he has gone away because he could not help it. I am quite sure, continued the modest maiden, casting down her eyes, that he would never have left but for a good reason! Oh, I am confident he is fond of Carlingford now. He would not go away if he had not some duty I am certain he would not!
If Phoebe is better informed than the rest of us, it aint nobodys business as I can see, said the father, with a short laugh. I always like the young folks to manage them matters among themselves; but I take my own view, miss, for all that.
Oh, Pa, how can you talk so, cried Phœbe, in virgin confusion, to make Mrs. Vincent think
Indeed, nothing will make me think otherwise than I know, said Mrs. Vincent, with a voice which extinguished Phœbe. I understand my son. He does not bestow his confidence very easily; and I am sure he is quite able to manage all the matters he may have in hand, added the widow, not without significance. Not all her anxiety for Arthur, not all her personal wretchedness, could unwoman the ministers mother so much as to make her forgive or overlook Phœbes presumption. She could not have let this pretendant to her sons affections off without transfixing her with a passing arrow. Human endurance has its limits. Mrs. Vincent could bear anything for Arthur except this pretence of a special interest in him.
Oh, I am sure I never meant ! faltered Phœbe; but she could get no further, and even her mother did not come to the rescue.
Them things had much best not be talked of, said Mrs. Tozer, sharply. Mr. Beecher is coming in to have a bit of dinner. You mightnt have things comfortable where you are, the minister being away, and you used to your own house. Wont you come in with us and eat a bit of dinner? I never can swallow a morsel when Im by myself. Its lonesome for you in them rooms, and us so near. There aint no ceremony nor nonsense, but well be pleased if youll come.
Thank you very much, said Mrs. Vincent, who could not forget that the cherry-coloured bonnet had nodded during Mr. Beechers sermon, but I slept badly last night. At my time
of life a new bed often makes one sleepless, and I have a bad headache. I think I will go and lie down. Many thanks. It is very kind of you to ask me. I hope I shall see you, said the widow, with a slight shiver, repeating her formula, to-morrow.
You cant take us amiss, said Mrs. Tozer; theres always enough for an extra one, if it isnt grand or any ceremony; or if youll come to tea and go to church with us at night? Phœbe can run over and see how you find yourself. Good mornin. Im sorry youll not come in.