I don't understand--" The Vicar advanced toward them.

He came along at a great pace, his lean figure closely sheathed in his long clerical coat, his face a little frowning and set.
At the sight of Mrs.Roughsedge he drew up, and greeted the mother and son.
"May I have a few words with you ?" he asked Mrs.Roughsedge, as he turned back with them toward the Beechcote lane.

"I don't know whether you are acquainted, Mrs.Roughsedge, with what has just happened in the Book Club, to which we both belong ?" The Book Club was a village institution of some antiquity.

It embraced some ten families, who drew up their Mudie lists in common and sent the books from house to house.

The Vicar and Dr.Roughsedge had been till now mainly responsible for these lists--so far, at least, as "serious books" were concerned, the ladies being allowed the chief voice in the novels.
Mrs.Roughsedge, a little fluttered, asked for information.
"Miss Mallory has recommended two books which, in my opinion, should not be circulated among us," said the Vicar.