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Show 109 worst of all was the gossip being prattled about the Reverend himself. Ever since his trial by the High Commission, he was spoken of as an outright enemy to the King . It was fashionable to berate Puritans, and as long as the King was against Puritans the fashion wouldn't change. The more she thought about the Lathrop family situation,, the more worked up she became. Mistress Hannah was not well. Everyone knew it, but no one talked of it, least of all Mistress Hannah, Because Thomas was the Reverend's eldest son, the Reverend had ' wanted to assure him of a university education. Thomas was unprepared to go into any skilled labor occupation and it would be difficult for him to provide a means of livelihood for the family. There was a possibility that the Bishop would offer the Reverend his freedom--on certain unmentionable conditions. No one could blame the Reverend if he were to comply with the conditions in order to take care of his family, could they? Surely she wouldn't. Quite unconsciously she reached for her neckpiece. It was of pure gold and not. only was it her most valuable possession, but it was the only keepsake of her family that she had. She groped for it in vain. Overcome by the realization of her final loss, she sat down by the roadway and sobbed. When the tears stopped |
