in authority walk circumspectly as well. I mean no
reproach to you, but others beside me think it would be well that you
should keep closer watch over your niece. There is a nobleman of high
station that visits much too often at this house. I will _not_ name any
names"--and this with a tone of magnanimous forbearance--"but you will
guess who I mean, because the nobility is not that frequent hereabout.
I am sorry to have to speak of such things which ladies generally see
quick enough for themselves, but as churchwarden I can't shut my ears to
what is matter of town talk; and more by token when a namesake of my own
is concerned."

The composure which Miss Joliffe had been seeking in vain, came back to
her at the pork-butcher's words, partly in the relief that he had not
broached the subject of debts which had been foremost in her mind,
partly in the surprise and indignation occasioned by his talk of
Anastasia. Her manner and very appearance changed, and none would have
recognised the dispirited and broken-down old lady in the sharpness of
her rejoinder.

"Mr Joliffe," she apostrophised with tart dignity, "you must forgive me
for thinking that I know a good deal more about the nobleman in question
than you do, and I can assure you _he_ is a perfect gentleman. If he
has visited this house, it has been to see Mr Westray about the
restoration of the minster. I should have thought one that was
churchwarden would have known better than to go bandying scandals about
his betters; it is small encouragement for a nobleman to take an
interest in the church if the churchwarden is to backbite him for it."

She saw that her cousin was a little taken aback, and she carried the
war into the enemy's country, and gave another thrust.

"Not but what Lord Blandamer has called upon me too, apart from Mr
Westray. And what have you to say to _that_? If his lordship has
thought fit to honour me by drinking a cup of tea under my roof, there
are many in Cullerne would have been glad to get out their best china if
he had only asked himself to _their_ houses. And there are some might
well follow his example, and show themselves a little oftener to their
friends and relations."

The churchwarden wiped his face again, and puffed a little.

"Far be it from me," he said, dwelling on the expression with all the
pleasure that a man of slight education takes in a book phrase that he
has got by heart--"far be it from me to set scandals afloa