I trust that
henceforth all criticism will cease, especially at these meetings,
where we are gathered together to carry on the Lord's work."
When Mrs. Royal finished there was intense silence, and for once
garrulous tongues were still. All felt that the rebuke was just,
though it made them very angry. They were greatly surprised at Mrs.
Royal's boldness, as they had never heard her speak in such a decided
way before. When at last they did find their voices, they talked of
other things, and during the rest of the afternoon they never alluded
to what the rector's wife had said. But when once away from the
meeting some of the women gave their tongues free scope, especially
Mrs. Harmon, who felt keenly what Mrs. Royal had said.
"I was never so mortified and offended in all my life," she confided to
Miss Arabella, as they walked along the road together. "Just think of
her talking that way, and she a clergyman's wife, too."
"Umph!" and Miss Arabella tilted her nose higher than ever, "she talked
mighty big to-day, but she'll find out her mistake sooner than she
expects. Just think what she said about that horrid old captain, who
can't speak a civil word to any one. Why, he swears awful.
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