Page:Eliot - Middlemarch, vol. IV, 1872.djvu/211

Rh seen that her religion made any difference in her dress."

"She wears very neat patterns always," said Mrs Plymdale, a little stung. "And that feather I know she got dyed a pale lavender on purpose to be consistent. I must say it of Harriet that she wishes to do right."

"As to her knowing what has happened, it can't be kept from her long," said Mrs Hackbutt. "The Vincys know, for Mr Vincy was at the meeting. It will he a great blow to him. There is his daughter as well as his sister."

"Yes, indeed," said Mrs Sprague. "Nobody supposes that Mr Lydgate can go on holding up his head in Middlemarch, things look so black about the thousand pounds he took just at that man's death. It really makes one shudder."

"Pride must have a fall," said Mrs Hackbutt.

"I am not so sorry for Rosamond Vincy that was as I am for her aunt," said Mrs Plymdale. "She needed a lesson."

"I suppose the Bulstrodes will go and live abroad somewhere," said Mrs Sprague. "That is what is generally done when there is anything disgraceful in a family."

"And a most deadly blow it will be to Harriet," said Mrs Plymdale. "If ever a woman was crushed,