[Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot]@TWC D-Link bookScenes of Clerical Life CHAPTER 1 12/16
Mr.Hackit, who had more doctrinal enlightenment than Mrs.Patten, had been a little shocked by the heathenism of her speech, and was glad of the new turn given to the subject by this question, addressed to him as church-warden and an authority in all parochial matters. 'Ah,' he answered, 'the parson's bothered us into it at last, and we're to begin pulling down this spring.
But we haven't got money enough yet.
I was for waiting till we'd made up the sum, and, for my part, I think the congregation's fell off o' late; though Mr.Barton says that's because there's been no room for the people when they've come.
You see, the congregation got so large in Parry's time, the people stood in the aisles; but there's never any crowd now, as I can see.' 'Well,' said Mrs.Hackit, whose good-nature began to act now that it was a little in contradiction with the dominant tone of the conversation, '_I_ like Mr.Barton.I think he's a good sort o' man, for all he's not overburthen'd i' th' upper storey; and his wife's as nice a lady-like woman as I'd wish to see.
How nice she keeps her children! and little enough money to do't with; and a delicate creatur'-- six children, and another a-coming.
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