Possible Clues:

• Misshapen hat we fetch producing gossip
• Talk as Mrs Sprat was wont to?
• Chat casually
• What Mrs Sprat might do with rabbit
• Mrs Sprat does talk
• Talk socially, as Jack couldn't (but his wife could)
• Chat leisurely; the few chat (anagram)
• Gossip is something Jack Sprat refused to do
• Talk the hind leg off a donkey when the butter arrives after the champ
• Spiteful woman about to cut article by female gossip