 »Dear Madam, I took Podgers'
specific at your orders last year, and believe in it. Why, why am I to recant
and accept the Rodgers' articles now?« There, is no help for it; the faithful
proselytizer, if she cannot convince by argument, bursts, into tears, and the
recusant finds himself, at the end of the contest, taking down the bolus, and
saying, »Well, well, Rodgers be it.«
    »And as for her spiritual state,« continued the lady, »that, of course, must
be looked to immediately; with Creamer about her she may go off any day - and in
what a condition, my dear Pitt, in what a dreadful condition! I will send the
Reverend Mr. Irons to her instantly. - Jane, write a line to the Reverend
Bartholomew Irons, in the third person, and say that I desire the pleasure of
his company this evening at tea at half-past six. He is an awakening man, he
ought to see Miss Crawley before she rests this night. - And, Emily, my love,
get ready a packet of books for Miss Crawley. Put up A Voice from the Flames, A
Trumpet-warning to Jericho, and the Fleshpots Broken; or, the Converted
Canibal.«
    »And the Washerwoman of Finchley Common, Mamma,« said Lady Emily. »It is as
well to begin soothingly at first.«
    »Stop, my dear ladies,« said Pitt, the diplomatist. »With every deference,
to the opinion of my beloved and respected Lady Southdown, I think it would be
quite unadvisable to commence so early upon serious topics with Miss Crawley.
Remember her delicate condition, and how little, how very little accustomed she
has hitherto been to considerations connected with her immortal welfare.«
    »Can we then begin too early, Pitt?« said Lady Emily, rising with six little
books already in her hand.
    »If you begin abruptly, you will frighten her altogether. I know my aunt's
worldly nature so well as to be sure that any abrupt attempt at conversion will
be the very worst means that can be employed for the welfare of that unfortunate
lady. You will only frighten and annoy her. She will very likely fling the books
away, and refuse all acquaintance with givers.«
    »You are as worldly as Miss Crawley, Pitt,« said Lady Emily, tossing out of
the room, her books in her hand.
    »And I need not tell you, my dear Lady Southdown,« Pitt continued
