What happens during Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle?

In Chapter 24, Scout attends Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle along with several other ladies from the Maycomb community. Scout is apprehensive about joining the conversation and listens as the ladies discuss J. Grimes Everett's missionary work in Africa. Throughout their conversation, Lee exposes Mrs. Merriweather's ignorance and prejudice towards foreign cultures. Mrs. Merriweather and Mrs. Farrow then discuss how their African American maids are upset about the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial. The ladies criticize their maids' behavior and comment that Jesus would have never gone around grumbling. Mrs. Merriweather then indirectly criticizes Atticus for defending Tom Robinson by saying,

"I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town. Good, but misguided. Folks in this town who think they're doing right, I mean" (Lee 142).

Miss Maudie is aware of Mrs. Merriweather's subtle criticism of Atticus and says, "His food doesn't stick going down, does it?" (Lee 142). Scout does not fully comprehend why Maudie is so upset but notices that Aunt Alexandra gives her a look of gratitude. Scout is in awe of Alexandra's subtle acknowledgment and realizes that she will soon enter into the world of women. Miss Merriweather then says that the people living in the North are hypocrites for trying to dismiss their prejudice against African Americans. Scout tries to occupy herself and begins to daydream while Miss Merriweather is talking. Suddenly, Atticus arrives home and interrupts the missionary circle to tell Alexandra and Cal that Tom is dead.