After her husband was pensioned she lived in
Southsea. As he belonged to the civilian branch, Mrs. Poulter had
to fight undauntedly in order to maintain a calling acquaintance
with the wives of executive officers, and in fact the highest she
had on her list was a commander's lady. When Paymaster Poulter
died, and his pension ceased, she gave up the struggle. She had no
children, and moved to Brighton with an annuity of 150 pounds a year
derived from her husband's insurance of 2000 pounds, and a life
interest in some property left by her mother.
Mr. Goacher was a bachelor clergyman of about forty. He read
prayers, presided over the book-club, and by a judicious expenditure
of oil prevented friction between the other boarders. It was
understood that he had been compelled to give up clerical duty by
what is called clergyman's sore-throat. It was not known whether he
had been vicar, rector, or curate, but he wore the usual white neck-
band and a soft, low felt hat, he was clean-shaven, his letters were
addressed 'Reverend,' he was not bad-looking; and these vouchers
were considered sufficient.
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