It was a busy day. The lodgers, excepting Miss Everard, went to church in the morning, but Miss Toller and Helen had their hands full. In the afternoon Miss Toller was obliged to tell Helen the unpleasant news. ‘I don’t want to go, but I must not offend them.’ ‘But you _are_ going?’ ‘I can’t get out of it.’ Helen did not speak another word. About half-past six Miss Toller put on her best clothes and appeared in the dining-room. Helen punctually served the dinner. A seat was allotted to Miss Toller at the bottom of the table opposite Miss Everard and next to Mr. Goacher, who faced Mrs. Poulter. Mrs. Mudge’s wine was produced, and Mr. Goacher graciously poured out a glass for Miss Toller. ‘At this festive season, ma’am.’ A second glass was not offered, although Mrs. Mudge’s supply was liberal. Mr. Goacher did not stint himself. ‘There are beautiful churches in Northamptonshire, I believe, Miss Toller?’ said the reverend gentleman after the third glass. ‘Yes, very beautiful.’ ‘Ah! that is delightful. To whatever school in the Establishment we belong, we cannot be insensible to the harmony between it and our dear old ivy-clad towers and the ancient gravestones. I love old country churches. I often wish my lot had been cast in a simple rural parish.’ _Miss E._ ‘Why do you not go?’ _Mr. G._ ‘My unfortunate throat; and besides, I believe I am really better fitted for an urban population.’ _Miss E._ ‘In what way?’ _Mr. G._ ‘Well, you see, Miss Everard, questions present themselves to our hearers in towns which do not naturally occur to the rustic mind—questions with which, if I may say so, I am perhaps fitted to deal. The rustic mind needs nothing more than a simple presentation of the Gospel.’ _Miss E._ ‘What kind of questions?’ _Mr. G._ ‘You must be aware that our friend Mrs. Poulter, for instance, accustomed as she is to the mental stimulus of Southsea and Brighton, takes an interest in topics unfamiliar to an honest agriculturist who is immersed all the week in beeves and ploughs and swine.’ Mr. Goacher had intended that Mrs. Poulter should hear that her name was mentioned. _Mrs. P._ ‘What are you saying about me?’ _Miss E._ ‘Nothing to your discredit. We were talking about town and country parishes, and Mr. Goacher maintains that in a town parish a clergyman of superior intellect is indispensable.’ _Mrs. P._ ‘But what has that to do with me?’ _Miss E._ ‘Oh, we merely brought you forward as an example. You have moved in cultured society, and he is of opinion that he is better fitted to preach to people like you than to farmers.’