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'We allude to the question of the Barchester almshouse at
the present moment, because we understand that a plea has
been set up which will be peculiarly revolting to the minds
of English churchmen. An action has been taken against Mr
Warden Harding, on behalf of the almsmen, by a gentleman
acting solely on public grounds, and it is to be argued that Mr
Harding takes nothing but what he received as a servant of the
hospital, and that he is not himself responsible for the amount
of stipend given to him for his work. Such a plea would
doubtless be fair, if anyone questioned the daily wages of a
bricklayer employed on the building, or the fee of the charwoman
who cleans it; but we cannot envy the feeling of a clergyman
of the Church of England who could allow such an argument to be
put in his mouth.
'If this plea be put forward we trust Mr Harding will be
forced as a witness to state the nature of his employment; the
amount of work that he does; the income which he receives;
and the source from whence he obtained his appointment.
We do not think he will receive much public sympathy to
atone for the annoyance of such an examination.'
As Eleanor read the article her face flushed with indignation,
and when she had finished it, she almost feared to look
up at her father.
'Well, my dear,' said he, 'what do you think of that--is it
worth while to be a warden at that price?'
'Oh, papa;--dear papa!'
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