"The postman would be corrupt already," said Grace, as Rachel thought
the last speech too mocking to be worthy of reply, and went on
picking up her letters.

"There is another objection," added Captain Keith, as he watched her
busy fingers. "Have you considered how you are frightening people
out of the society? It is enough to make one only subscribe as
Michael Miserly or as Simon Skinflint, or something equally
uninviting to applications."

"I shall ask you to subscribe by both names!" said Rachel, readily.
"How much for Simon Skinflint?"

"Ten pounds. Stop--when Mr. Mauleverer gives him a reference."

"That's ungenerous. Will Michael Miserly make up for it?"

"Yes, when the first year's accounts have been audited."

"Ah! those who have no faith to make a venture can never effect any
good."

"You evidently build on a great amount of faith from the public.
How do you induce them to believe--do you write in your own name?"

"No, it makes mamma unhappy. I was going to put R. C., but Grace
said people would think it meant Roman Catholic. Your sister thought
I had better put the initials of Female Union for Lacemaker's
Employment."