Morton was already plainly expressing her
anger at the tardiness of her son's guests. The Senator had got
hold of Mr. Mainwaring and was asking pressing questions as to
church patronage,--a subject not very agreeable to the rector of
St. John's, as his living had been bought for him with his wife's
money during the incumbency of an old gentleman of seventy-eight.
Mr. Cooper, who was himself nearly that age and who was vicar of
Mallingham, a parish which ran into Dillsborough and comprehended a
part of its population, was listening to these queries with awe,
and perhaps with some little gratification, as he had been
presented to his living by the bishop after a curacy of many years.
"This kind of things, I believe, can be bought and sold in the
market," said the Senator, speaking every word with absolute
distinctness. But as he paused for an answer the two ladies came in
and the conversation was changed. Both the clergymen were
introduced to Lady Augustus and her daughter, and Mr. Mainwaring at
once took refuge under the shadow of the ladies' title.
Arabella did not sit down, so that Morton had an opportunity of
standing near to his love. "I suppose you are very tired," he said.
"Not in the least." She smiled her sweetest as she answered him,--
but yet it was not very sweet. "Of course we were tired and cross
when we got out of the train.
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