"I know," said Mr. Touchett, "but really it was flagrant."
"Oh," said Lady Temple, gently, "I dare say she didn't mean it, and you
could not be hard on a widow."
"Well," said Mr. Touchett, "Miss Brown was very much put out,
and--and--it is a great pity about the child, but I never thought myself
that such strong measures would do any good."
"Then you will not object to her being employed?"
"No, not at all. From a distance, it is not the same thing as close at
home; it won't be an example."
"Thank you," said Grace; and "I am so glad," said Lady Temple; and
Mr. Touchett went on his way, lightened of his fear of having let his
zealous coadjutors oppress the hard-working, and far more brightened by
the sweet smile of requital, but all the time doubtful whether he had
been weak. As to the victory, Rachel only laughed, and said, "If it made
Grace more comfortable, it was well, except for that acknowledgment of
Mr. Touchett's jurisdiction."
A few days after, Rachel made her appearance in Mackerel Lane, and
announced her intention of consulting Ermine Williams under seal of
secrecy. "I have an essay that I wish you to judge of before I send it
to the 'Traveller.'"
"Indeed!" said Ermine, her colour rising. "Would it not be better--"
"Oh, I know what you mean, but don't scruple on that score. At my age,
with a mother like mine, it is simply to avoid teasing and excitement
that I am silent."
"I was going to say I was hardly a fair--"
"Because of your different opinions? But those go for nothing. You are
a worthy antagonist, and enter into my views as my mother and sister
cannot do, even while you oppose them."
"But I don't think I can help you, even if--"
"I don't want help; I only want you to judge of the composition. In
fact, I read it to you that I may hear it myself."
Ermine resigned herself.
"'Curatolatry is a species--'"
"I beg your pardon."
"Curatolatry. Ah! I thought that would attract attention."
"But I am afraid the scholars would fall foul of it."
"Why, have not they just made Mariolatry?"
"Yes; but they are very severe on hybrids between Latin and Greek."
"It is not worth while to boggle at trifles when one has an expressive
term," said Rachel; "if it turns into English, that is all that is
wanted."
"Would it not be rather a pity if it should turn into English? Might it
not be hard to brand with a contemptuous name what does more good than
harm?"
"That sickly mixture of flirtation and hero worship, with a religious
daub as a salve to the conscience."