Matterson. "He has a church over at
Putney."
"I am glad of that," said Mr. Grey.
"Yes, indeed; though it isn't very good, because it's only a curate's
one hundred and fifty pounds. Yes; he does have one hundred and fifty
pounds, and something out of the surplice fees."
"Another one hundred pounds I believe it is," said Amelia.
"Not quite so much as that, my dear, but it is something."
"He is a widower with children, I believe?" said Mr. Grey.
"There are children--five of them; the prettiest little dears one ever
saw. The eldest is just about thirteen." This was a fib, because Mrs.
Carroll knew that the eldest boy was sixteen; but what did it signify?
"Amelia is so warmly attached to them."
"It is a settled thing, then?"
"We hope so. It cannot be said to be quite settled, because there are
always money difficulties. Poor Mr. Matterson must have some increase to
his income before he can afford it."
"Ah, yes!"
"You did say something, uncle, about five hundred pounds," said Amelia.
"Four hundred and fifty, my dear," said Mr. Grey.
"Oh, I had forgotten. I did say that I hoped there would be five
hundred."
"There shall be five hundred," said Mr. Grey, remembering that now had
come the time for doing to one of the Carroll family the good things of
which he had thought to himself.
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