Mrs.Joyce was the first to speak again.
"Would it be asking too much of you, Mrs.Peckover," said she, "to inquire how the poor little thing really met with the accident that caused her misfortune?
I know there is an account of it in the bills of the circus but--" "It's the most infamous thing I ever read!" interrupted Mr.Blyth indignantly.

"The man who wrote it ought to be put in the pillory.
I never remember wanting to throw a rotten egg at any of my fellow-creatures before; but I feel certain that I should enjoy having a shy at Mr.Jubber!" "Gently, Valentine--gently," interposed the rector.

"I think, my love," he continued, turning to Mrs.Joyce, "that it is hardly considerate to Mrs.Peckover to expect her to comply with your request.

She has already sacrificed herself once to our curiosity; and, really, to ask her now to recur a second time to recollections which I am sure must distress her--" "It's worse than distressing, indeed, sir, even to think of that dreadful accident," said Mrs.Peckover, "and specially as I can't help taking some blame to myself for it.

But if the lady wishes to know how it happened, I'm sure I'm agreeable to tell her.