"By the way," said Jemima, when she saw the last touches were
being given, and that she must not delay executing the purpose
which was the real cause of her return--"Papa, I am sure, would
not like your connecting Mrs. Denbigh's name with such a--story
as you have been telling me."
"Oh dear! ma'am, I have too much respect for you all to think of
doing such a thing! Of course I know, ma'am, that it is not to be
cast up to any lady that she is like any-body disreputable."
"But I would rather you did not name the likeness to any one,"
said Jemima; "not to any one. Don't tell any one the story you
have told me this morning."
"Indeed, ma'am, I should never think of such a thing! My poor
husband could have borne witness that I am as close as the grave
where there is anything to conceal."
"Oh dear!" said Jemima, "Mrs. Pearson, there is nothing to
conceal; only you must not speak about it."
"I certainly shall not do it, ma'am; you may rest assured of me."
This time Jemima did not go towards home, but in the direction of
the outskirts of the town, on the hilly side. She had some dim
recollection of hearing her sisters ask if they might not go and
invite Leonard and his mother to tea; and how could she face
Ruth, after the conviction had taken possession of her heart that
she, and the sinful creature she bad just heard of, were one and
the same? It was yet only the middle of the afternoon; the hours
were early in the old-fashioned town of Eccleston.
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