About this story
Summoned to Carlingford to nurse an ailing grandmother, you meet the family history your parents have politely smoothed over: the man waiting on the platform, unable to place his fine granddaughter, is a retired shopkeeper. On a walk into town you tell a young Nonconformist minister, Horace Northcote, exactly whose granddaughter you are, before his prejudice against tradespeople can catch up with him.
How it opens
Mr Copperhead's ball displayed wealth with the force of one of his railway cuttings.
Mr CopperheadYour father's chapel may disapprove of dancing, Miss Phoebe, but it approves of me.
His joke required gratitude from the minister's family as well as laughter from his guests.
Mrs BeechamOur connection permits young people innocent enjoyment under proper guidance.
Choose
Thank him for including the chapel while declining to judge everyone else's conscience.
Say that a ball reveals character as clearly as a prayer meeting can.