Page:Eliot - Adam Bede, vol. III, 1859.djvu/342

332 its a pity for somebody or other. Most o' the women do more harm nor good with their preaching—they've not got Dinah's gift nor her speerit; and she's seen that, and she thought it right to set th' example o' submitting, for she's not held from other sorts o' teaching. And I agree with her, and approve o' what she did"

Seth was silent. This was a standing subject of difference rarely alluded to, and Dinah, wishing to qut it at once, said,

"Didst remember, Adam, to speak to Colonel Donnithorne the words my uncle and aunt intrusted to thee?"

"Yes, and he's going to the Hall Farm with Mr Irwine the day after to-morrow. Mr Irwine came in while we were talking about it, and he would have it as the Colonel must see nobody but thee to-morrow: he said—and he's in the right of it—as it'll be bad for him t' have his feelings stirred with seeing many people one after another. 'We must get you strong and hearty,' he said, 'that's the first thing to be done, Arthur, and then you shall have your own way. But I shall keep you under your old tutor's thumb till then.' Mr Irwine's Fine and joyful at having him home again."