ive, if possible. It
can't make much difference for one day."

Mrs Morgan raised herself up from her ferns, and no doubt it was a
relief to her to find herself provided with so just a cause of
displeasure. "Much difference!" cried the Rector's wife; "it is
half-past four now. I wonder how you could think of such a thing,
William. There is some lamb, which of course is not put down to roast
yet, and the ducks. If you wish the cook to give warning immediately,
you may send such a message. It is just like a man to think it would
make no difference! But I must say, to do them justice," said the
Rector's wife, "it is not like a man of your college!" When she had
fired this double arrow, she took off her gardening gloves and lifted
her basket. "I suppose you told Mr Proctor that you wished to dine
early?" said Mrs Morgan, with severity, pausing on the threshold. "Of
course it is quite impossible to have dinner at five unless he knows."

"Indeed I--I forgot all about Proctor," said the Rector, who now saw
the inexpediency of his proposal. "On second thoughts, I see it does
not matter much. But after dinner I expect some people about Mr
Wentworth's business. It was not settled this morning, as I expected."

"So I heard," said Mrs Morgan. "I will tell Thomas to show them into
the library," and she went indoors, carrying her basket. As for the
Rector, he stood silent, looking after her, and feeling wonderfully
discomfited. Had she found fault with him for his delay--had she even
said "I told you so!" it would have been less overwhelming than this
indifference. They had never had a quarrel before, and the effect was
proportionately increased. After standing bewildered at the door for a
few minutes, he retired into his study, where the change in his wife's
demeanour haunted him, and obscured Mr Wentworth. Mrs Morgan sat at
the head of the table at dinner with an equal want of curiosity. Even
when the subject was discussed between the Rector and Mr Proctor, she
asked no questions--a course of procedure very puzzling and trying to
Mr Morgan, who could not make it out.

It was after eight o'clock before the tribunal of the morning was
reconstituted at the Rectory. Most of the gentlemen came late, and the
little assembly brought with it a flavour of port, which modified the
serious atmosphere. When the bed of justice was again formed, Mr
Wentworth entered with the bodyguard of Wentworths, which numbered
half as many as his judges.