He
was happily diverted by Mr. Bingham, who called about a coming contested
election for the governorships.
Next week there was another tea-party at Mrs. Cobb's. The ladies were
in high spirits, for a subject of conversation was assured. If there
had been an inquest, or a marriage, or a highway robbery before one of
these parties, or if the contents of a will had just been made known, or
still better, if any scandal had just come to light, the guests were
always cheerful. Now, of course, the topic was Dr. Midleton and Mrs.
Fairfax.
"When I found him in that back parlour," said Mrs. Harrop, "I thought he
wasn't there to pay the usual call. Somehow it didn't seem as if he was
like a clergyman. I felt quite queer: it came over me all of a sudden.
And then we know he's been there once or twice since."
"I don't wonder at your feeling queer, Mrs. Harrop," quoth Mrs. Cobb.
"I'm sure I should have fainted; and what brazen boldness to walk out
together on the Common at nine o'clock in the morning. That girl who
brought in the tea--it's my belief that a young man goes after her--but
even they wouldn't demean themselves to be seen at it just after
breakfast.
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