"Yes; but you must tighten the reins by degrees only. Don't be too
strenuous at first. She'll come to any terms in time."
The caution was unnecessary, though Phillotson did not say so. "I
remember what my vicar at Shaston said, when I left after the row
that was made about my agreeing to her elopement. 'The only thing
you can do to retrieve your position and hers is to admit your error
in not restraining her with a wise and strong hand, and to get her
back again if she'll come, and be firm in the future.' But I was
so headstrong at that time that I paid no heed. And that after the
divorce she should have thought of doing so I did not dream."
The gate of Mrs. Edlin's cottage clicked, and somebody began crossing
in the direction of the school. Phillotson said "Good-night."
"Oh, is that Mr. Phillotson," said Mrs. Edlin. "I was going over
to see 'ee. I've been upstairs with her, helping her to unpack her
things; and upon my word, sir, I don't think this ought to be!"
"What--the wedding?"
"Yes. She's forcing herself to it, poor dear little thing; and
you've no notion what she's suffering. I was never much for religion
nor against it, but it can't be right to let her do this, and you
ought to persuade her out of it. Of course everybody will say it was
very good and forgiving of 'ee to take her to 'ee again. But for my
part I don't."
"It's her wish, and I am willing," said Phillotson with grave
reserve, opposition making him illogically tenacious now. "A great
piece of laxity will be rectified."
"I don't believe it. She's his wife if anybody's. She's had three
children by him, and he loves her dearly; and it's a wicked shame to
egg her on to this, poor little quivering thing! She's got nobody
on her side. The one man who'd be her friend the obstinate creature
won't allow to come near her. What first put her into this mood o'
mind, I wonder!"
"I can't tell. Not I certainly. It is all voluntary on her part.
Now that's all I have to say." Phillotson spoke stiffly. "You've
turned round, Mrs. Edlin. It is unseemly of you!"
"Well. I knowed you'd be affronted at what I had to say; but I don't
mind that. The truth's the truth."
"I'm not affronted, Mrs. Edlin. You've been too kind a neighbour
for that. But I must be allowed to know what's best for myself and
Susanna. I suppose you won't go to church with us, then?"