Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

I have to put my glass down to prevent spilling it. It’s all I can do to sit still. Mrs. Wheeler told me of the immoral lack of deportment she observed, but Miss Smail goes further. It turns out the bulk of the teachers aren’t members of the Church of Scotland. Mrs. Tremearne keeps a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and paid for masses to be said for pains in her leg. One matron, another Pigott, is an avowed Roman Catholic. Miss Pigot and many of her teachers identify with the Church of England. How can a mission sponsored by the Church of Scotland be staffed by our enemies?

As if these conditions weren’t sufficiently shocking, Miss Smail moves on to Miss Pigot’s deportment. Mr. Wilson is often at the mission. Miss Smail writes she saw him enter Miss Pigot’s bedroom one late afternoon and come out dressed for the evening. She observed what she calls a long-standing flirtation between Miss Pigot and Mr. Wilson.