A clergyman, too! it is shocking. A nice business, this,
for the Dissenters."
"Well," said Mrs. Bingham, "what are we to do? I had thought of going
to her and giving her a bit of my mind, but she has got that yellow gown
to make. What is your opinion, Miss Tarrant?"
"I would not degrade myself, Mrs. Bingham, by any expostulations with
her. I would have nothing more to do with her. Could you not relieve
her of the unfinished gown? Mrs. Swanley, I am sure, under the
circumstances would be only too happy to complete it for you."
"Mrs. Swanley cannot come near her. I should look ridiculous in her
body and one of Swanley's skirts."
"As to the Doctor," continued Miss Tarrant, "I wonder that he can expect
to maintain any authority in matters of religion if he marries a
dressmaker of that stamp. It would be impossible even if her character
were unimpeachable. I am astonished, if he wishes to enter into the
matrimonial state, that he does not seek some one who would be able to
support him in his position and offer him the sympathy which a man who
has had a University education might justifiably demand.
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