Oh, Ma, what does Mr. Vincent care about the customers? cried Phœbe, in despair.
He might, then, before alls done, said the deaconess. We couldnt be as good friends to the chapel, nor as serviceable, nor as well thought on in our connection, if it wasnt for the customers. So you see, sir, Lady Western, shes a young lady not a deal older than my Phœbe, but by reason of having married an old man, she has a step-son twice as old as herself, and hes married; and so this gay pretty creature here, shes the Dowager Lady Western. Ive seen her with young Lady Western, her step-daughter-in-law, and young Lady Western was a deal older, and more serious-looking, and knew twenty times more of life than the Dowager and you may be sure she dont lose the opportunity to laugh at it neither and so thats how the name arose.
Thank you for the explanation; and I suppose, of course, she lives in Grange Lane, said the pastor, still bending with devotion over his plate.
Dear, dear, you dont eat nothink, Mr. Vincent, cried his benevolent hostess; that comes of study, as Im always a-telling Tozer. A deal better, says I, to root the minister out, and get him to move about for the good of his health, than to put him up to sermons and coorses, when were all as pleased as Punch to start with. She lives in Grange Lane, to be sure, as they most all do as is anything in Carlingford. Fashions all but I like a bit of stir and life myself, and couldnt a-bear them close walls. But it would be news in Salem that we was spending our precious time a-talking over a lady like Lady Western; and as for the woman at the back of the chapel, dont you be led away to go to everybody as Mrs. Brown sends you to, Mr. Vincent. Shes a good soul, but shes always a-picking up somebody. Tozers been called up at twelve oclock, when we were all a-bed, to see somebody as was dying; and there was no dying about it, but only Mrs. Browns way. My son, being at his eddication for a minister, makes me feel mother-like to a young pastor, Mr. Vincent. Id be grateful to anybody as would give my boy warning when it comes to be his time.
I almost wonder, said Vincent, with a little natural impatience, that you did not struggle on with Mr. Tufton for a little longer, till your sons education was finished.
Mrs. Tozer held up her head with gratified pride. Hell be two years before hes ready, and theres never no telling what may happen in that time, said the pleased mother, forgetting how little favourable to her guest was any anticipated contingency. The words were very innocently spoken, but they had their effect upon Vincent.
was that one new acquaintance had interrupted Mrs. Vincents seclusion, one only visitor, who, from an unexpected call, recorded with some wonderment a month or two before, had gained possession of the house apparently, and was perpetually referred to by Susan, in her gradually shortening letters, with a certain timidity and reluctance to pronounce his name; by the mother with growing frequency and confidence. Vincent, a little jealous of this new influence, had out of the depths of his own depression written with some impatience to ask who this Mr. Fordham was, and how he had managed to establish himself so confidentially in the cottage, when his mothers letter astounded him with the following piece of news:
My dearest Boy, Mr. Fordham is, or at least will be or, if I must be cautious, as your poor dear papa always warned me I should wishes very much, and I hope will succeed in being your brother, my own Arthur. This is sudden news, but you know, and I have often told you, that a crisis always does seem to arrive suddenly; however much you may have been looking for it, or making up your mind to it, it does come like a blow at the time; and no doubt there is something in human nature to account for it, if I was a philosopher, like your dear papa and you. Yes, my dear boy, that is how it is. Of course, I have known for some time past that he must have had a motive no mother could long remain ignorant of that; and I cant say but what, liking Mr. Fordham so much, and seeing him every way so unexceptionable , except, perhaps, in the way of means, which we know nothing about, and which I have always thought a secondary consideration to character, as I always brought up my children to think, I was very much pleased. For you know, my dear boy, life is uncertain with the strongest; and I am becoming an old woman, and you will marry no doubt, and what is to become of Susan unless she does the same? So I confess I was pleased to see Mr. Fordhams inclinations showing themselves. And now, dear Arthur, Ive given them my blessing, and they are as happy as ever they can be, and nothing is wanting to Susans joy but your sympathy. I need not suggest to my dear boy to write a few words to his sister to make her feel that he shares our happiness; for Providence has blessed me in affectionate children, and I can trust the instincts of my Arthurs heart; and oh! my dear son, how thankful I ought to be, and how deeply I ought to feel Gods blessings! He has been a father to the fatherless, and the strength of the widow. To think that before old age comes upon me, and while I am still able to enjoy the sight of your prosperity, I should have the happiness of seeing you comfortably settled, and in the way to do your Masters work, and make yourself a good position, and Susan so happily provided for, and instead of losing her, a new son to love indeed, I am overpowered, and can scarcely hold up my head under my blessings.