human
Who are those? Dr. Nevington inquired, with some interest.
gpt
Not parishioners, I fancy.
human
Not in any true sense, Mrs. Lovegrove replied.
gpt
Dissenters, and I am sorry to say rather spiteful against the Church.
human
Ah! well, poor human nature! A touch of jealousy perhaps,
gpt
Very likely--still I should be just as well pleased not to continue their acquaintance. I don't like to hear things that are disrespectful. I should have ceased to call, but relatives of theirs are old friends of Mr. Lovegrove's mother's family.
human
Quite so, quite so, the other returned. Even when silent the sound of him seemed to encompass him, as the roll of a drum seems to salute you when merely beholding that instrument. His speech filled all the room, flowing forth into every corner, sweeping upward in waves to the very cornice. The feminine members of his congregation found this most beautiful; having, indeed, been known to declare that did he preach in Chinese, they would still receive edification and spiritual benefit.--
gpt
Quite so, he repeated,
human
We know who'd be the gainers,
gpt
Ah! well, I am prepared to believe that the gain might not be exclusively on one side.
human
That's so like you, Dr. Nevington, she said.
gpt
As I always tell Mr. Lovegrove, we have a great responsibility in having you for our pastor and friend. You are a standing rebuke to many of us, being so wide-minded yourself.
human
Hardly that, hardly that, he answered with becoming modesty.
gpt
In my humble way I do strive towards unity, that is all. Even towards the Church of Rome I would extend a friendly and helpful hand. We cannot, of course, go to her, yet she should never be discouraged from coming to us.--But here is your good husband back again--ceased to be unevenly yoked with the unbeliever, eh, Lovegrove?
human
I was glad you took them away, Georgie, Mrs. Lovegrove put in.
gpt
Still I'm sorry for you, for the vicar's been talking so nobly. You've missed such a lot.
human
Ah, hardly that. I have merely been giving your dear good wife a little lecture on Christian charity. How is Mrs. Nevington? Thank you, wonderfull well, earnest and energetic as ever. I do not know how I could meet the demands of this large parish without her.
gpt
A true helpmeet,
human
Truly so--and specially in all questions of organisation. She is altogether my superior in administrative capacity. Indeed, it is an understood thing between us that I relieve her of what may be called the bad third of her marriage vow. If she will love and honour, I assure her I am ready to obey. A capital working rule for husbands--eh, Lovegrove?--always supposing they have found the right woman, as you and I have.