You cannot expect that I should ask you to my house.

My wife, you know, is a very religious woman--what is called evangelical; but that's neither here nor there: I deal with all people, churchmen and dissenters--even Jews,--and don't trouble my head much about differences in opinion.

I dare say there are many ways to heaven; as I said, the other day, to Mr.Thwaites, our member.

But it is right to say my wife will not hear of your coming here; and, indeed, it might do harm to my business, for there are several elderly single gentlewomen, who buy flannel for the poor at my shop, and they are very particular; as they ought to be, indeed: for morals are very strict in this county, and particularly in this town, where we certainly do pay very high church-rates.

Not that I grumble; for, though I am as liberal as any man, I am for an established church; as I ought to be, since the dean is my best customer.