Never mind; they could learn, replied Mrs.Johnson Parker.

The children couldn't read either, suggested the three Miss Browns.

No matter; they could be taught, retorted Mrs.Johnson Parker.
A balance of parties took place.

The Miss Browns publicly examined--popular feeling inclined to the child's examination society.
The Miss Johnson Parkers publicly distributed--a reaction took place in favour of the prayer-book distribution.

A feather would have turned the scale, and a feather did turn it.