"The circumstances, as you say, were dead against me.

Here were these unfortunate people in a scrape on one side; and Magdalen, on the other, mad to act.

I couldn't say I had methodistical objections--I've nothing methodistical about me.

What other excuse could I make?
The Marrables are respectable people, and keep the best company in Clifton.

What harm can she get in their house?
If you come to prudence and that sort of thing--why shouldn't Magdalen do what Miss Marrable does?
There! there! let the poor things act, and amuse themselves.