If they _had_ left him there till the morning, it would have been a blessed exchange from that walk home with the party, that invitation to supper, and all the applauses and inquiries that followed. They had the Pigeons to supper that night at the butter-shop, and the whole matter was discussed in all its bearings--the flutter of the "Church folks," the new sittings let during the week, the triumphant conviction of the two deacons that Salem would soon be overflowing. "Oh, why were 'deacons' made so coarse, Or parsons made so fine?" Mr. Vincent did not bethink himself of that touching ditty. He could not see the serio-comic lights in which the whole business abounded. It was all the saddest earnest to the young pastor, who found so little encouragement or support even in the enthusiasm of his flock. "And, oh, Mr. Vincent," said the engaging Phoebe, in a half-whisper aside, "how _did_ you come to be so friendly with Lady Western? How she did listen, to be sure! and smiled at you _so_ sweetly. Ah, I don't wonder now that you can't see anything in the Carlingford young ladies; but do tell us, please, how you came to know her so well?" Insensibly to himself, a gleam of gratification lighted up Mr. Vincent's face. He was gracious to Phoebe. "I can't pretend to know her _well_," he said, with a little mock humility; whereupon the matrons of the party took up their weapons immediately. "And all the better, Mr. Vincent--all the better!" cried Mrs. Tozer; "she didn't come there for no good, you may be sure. Them great ladies, when they're pretty-looking, as I don't deny she's pretty-looking----" "Oh, mamma, beautiful!" exclaimed Phoebe. "When they're pretty-looking, as I say," continued Mrs. Tozer, "they're no better nor evil spirits--that's what I tell you, Phoebe. They'll go out o' their way, they will, for to lay hold on a poor silly young man (which was not meaning you, Mr. Vincent, that knows better, being a minister), and when they've got him fast, they'll laugh at him--that's their sport. A minister of our connection as was well acquainted among them sort of folks would be out o' nature. My boy shall never make no such acquaintances as long as I'm here." "I saw her a-speaking to the minister," said Mrs Pigeon, "and the thought crossed my mind as it wasn't just what I expected of Mr. Vincent. Painted ladies, that come out of a night with low necks and flowers in their hair, to have all Carlingford a-staring at them, ain't fit company for a good pastor. _Them's_ not the lambs of the flock--not so far as I understand; they're not friends as Salem folks would approve of, Mr. Vincent. I'm always known for a plain speaker, and I don't deceive you. It's a deal better to draw back in time."