my worthy pastor with that which was occurring,--and, alas! had
already occurred.

Five country-women of our own--it was easy to know them by their
dress and general aspect--were standing in the middle of the room;
and one of them, the centre of the group, the senior harpy of the
lot, a maiden lady--I could have sworn to that--with a red nose,
held in one hand a huge pair of scissors, and in the other--the
already devoted goods of my most unfortunate companion! Down from
the waistband, through that goodly expanse, a fell gash had already
gone through and through; and in useless, unbecoming disorder the
broadcloth fell pendant from her arm on this side and on that. At
that moment I confess that I had not the courage to speak to Mr.
Horne,--not even to look at him.

I must describe that group. Of the figure next to me I could only
see the back. It was a broad back done up in black silk not of the
newest. The whole figure, one may say, was dumpy. The black silk
was not long, as dresses now are worn, nor wide in its skirts. In
every way it was skimpy, considering the breadth it had to cover;
and below the silk I saw the heels of two thick shoes, and enough to
swear by of two woollen stockings. Above the silk was a red and
blue shawl; and above that a ponderous, elaborate brown bonnet, as
to the materials of which I should not wish to undergo an
examination. Over and beyond this I could only see the backs of her
two hands. They were held up as though in wonder at that which the
red-nosed holder of the scissors had dared to do.

Opposite to this lady, and with her face fully tamed to me, was a
kindly-looking, fat motherly woman, with light-coloured hair, not in