"Mr. Bowater has been telling me she is handsomer than ever!"

"Oh yes! That's all gentlemen think of; but I meant in other ways.
She seems full of the rebuilding of St. Nicholas, and to be making
great friends with your new daughter. You don't think," lowering
her voice, "that Raymond would have any objection to meeting her?"

"Certainly not!"

"I did not suppose he would, but I thought I would just ask you. It
would be rather marked not to invite him for the 3rd, you know; and
Jenny was always so fond of poor Emily, kept up a correspondence
with her to the last. It was the first time she had met the little
one since they came back. Not that she is little now, she is very
tall and quite handsome _even_ by the side of Edith. We just saw
Lady Rosamond--a sweet face--and Herbert perfectly raves about her!"

"She is a most unselfish warm-hearted creature!" said Mrs. Poynsett.

"I am so glad! And Miles's wife, I hope she will come. Poor thing,
she looks very poorly."

"Yes, I am very anxious about her. If she is not better in a day or
two, I shall insist on her having advice."

"Poor dear, I don't wonder! But she had better come to Strawyers;
Jenny will cheer her if any one can, and we shall have a nice lively
party, I hope! She will only mope the more if she never goes out."