And then she had encased her
feet in large carpet slippers, which no doubt were comfortable, but
which struck her visitor as being strange and unsightly. "Do you
find a difficulty in getting your people together for early morning
prayers?" she said, as she commenced her operations with the teapot.
"I can't say that I do," said Mark. "But then we are seldom so early
as this."
"Parish clergymen should be early, I think," said she. "It sets a
good example in the village."
"I am thinking of having morning prayers in the church," said Mr.
Robarts.
"That's nonsense," said Mrs. Proudie, "and usually means worse than
nonsense. I know what that comes to. If you have three services on
Sunday and domestic prayers at home, you do very well." And so saying
she handed him his cup.
"But I have not three services on Sunday, Mrs. Proudie."
"Then I think you should have. Where can the poor people be so well
off on Sundays as in church? The bishop intends to express a very
strong opinion on this subject in his next charge; and then I am sure
you will attend to his wishes." To this Mark made no answer, but
devoted himself to his egg.
"I suppose you have not a very large establishment at Framley?" asked
Mrs. Proudie.
"What, at the parsonage?"
"Yes; you live at the parsonage, don't you?"
"Certainly--well; not very large, Mrs.
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