"
Mrs. Tenterden gave a start.
"You really think so? That has occurred to me. Mrs. Wade's fainting
when she gave her evidence--oh dear, oh dear! I'm afraid there can
be only one explanation."
"That is our _honourable_ member, my dear!" threw out Mrs. Mumbray.
"These are Radical principles--in man and woman. Why, I am told
that scarcely a day passed without Mrs. Wade calling at the house."
"And they tell me that _he_ was frequently at _hers_!"
"That poor young wife! Oh, it is shameful! The matter oughtn't to
end here. Something ought to be done. If that man is allowed to keep
his seat"----
Many were the conjectures put forward and discussed throughout the
day, but this of Mrs. Mumbray's--started of course in several
quarters--found readiest acceptance in Conservative circles. Mrs.
Wade was obviously the cause of what had happened--no wonder she
fainted at the inquest; no wonder she hid herself in her cottage!
When she ventured to come out, virtuous Polterham would let her know
its mind. Quarrier shared in the condemnation, but not even
political animosity dealt so severely with him as social opinion did
with Mrs. Wade.
Mr. Chown--who would on no account have been seen in a place of
worship--went about all day among his congenial gossips, and
scornfully contested the rumour that Quarrier's relations with Mrs.
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