Chapter 11.14 - Shirley

"'Mrs. Pryor has anticipated you,' she replied, turning to the elder lady. "'Mrs. Pryor, you know, was my governess, and is still my friend, and of all the high and rigid Tories she is queen. Of all the staunch churchwomen she is chief. I have been well drilled, both in theology and history, I assure you, Mr. Helston.' The rector immediately bowed very low to Mrs. Pryor, and expressed himself obliged to her. The ex-governess, disclaimed skill either in political or religious controversy, explained that she thought such matters little adapted for female minds, but avowed herself in general terms the advocate of order and loyalty, and, of course, truly attached to the establishment. She added she was ever averse to change under any circumstances, and something scarcely audible about the extreme danger of being too ready to take up new ideas, closed her sentence. "'Miss Kieldar thinks as you think, I hope, madam?' "'Difference of age and difference of temperament, occasion difference of sentiment,' was the reply. "'It can scarcely be expected that the eager and young should hold opinions of the cool and middle-aged.' "'Oh, ho, ho! We are independent. We think for ourselves,' cried Mr. Helston. "'We are a little Jacobin, for anything I know, a little free-thinker in good earnest. Let us have a confession of faith on the spot!' And he took the heiress's two hands, causing her to let fall her whole cargo of flowers, and seated her by him on the sofa. "'Say your creed,' he ordered. "'The Apostles' Creed?' "'Yes,' she said it, like a child. "'Now for St. Athanasius. That's the test. "'Let me gather up my flowers. Here is Tartar coming. He will tread upon them.