“Oh, yes, yes! I am sure--a good wife and an excellent mother and all that; but not the fine mind, not the intellectual conversation, one used to have with the dear rector,” said good Mrs. Wodehouse, who had about as much intellect as would lie on a sixpence; and then she added, “perhaps I am prejudiced; I never can get over a slight which I am sure she showed to my son.” “Ah! what was that?” Mrs. Musgrove once more pulled her friend’s cloak, and there was a great deal more eagerness and interest than the occasion deserved in Mr. Incledon’s tone. “Oh, nothing of any consequence! What do you say, dear?--a mistake? Well, I don’t think it was a mistake. They thought Edward was going to--yes, _that_ was a mistake, if you please. I am sure he had many other things in his mind a great deal more important. But they thought--and though common civility demanded something different, and I took the trouble to write a note and ask it, I do think--but, however, after the words I had with her to-day, I no longer blame Rose. Poor child! I am always very sorry for poor Rose.” “Why should you be sorry for Miss Damerel? Was she one of those who, slighted your son? I hope Mr. Edward Wodehouse is quite well.” “He is very well, I thank you, and getting on so satisfactorily; nothing could be more pleasant. Oh, you must not think Edward cared! He has seen a great deal of the world, and he did not come home to let himself be put down by the family of a country clergyman. That is not at all what I meant; I am sorry for Rose, however, because of a great many things. She ought to go out as a governess or companion, or something of that sort, poor child! Mrs. Damerel may try, but I am sure they never can get on as they are doing. I hear that all they have to depend on is about a hundred and fifty a year. A family can never live upon that, not with their habits, Mr. Incledon; and therefore I think I may well say _poor_ Rose!” “I don’t think Miss Damerel will ever require to make such a sacrifice,” he said, hurriedly. “Well, I only hope you are right,” said Mrs. Wodehouse. “Of course you know a great deal more about business matters than I do, and perhaps their money is at higher interest than we think for; but if I were Rose I almost think I should see it to be my duty. Here we are at Mrs. Northcote’s, dear. Mr. Incledon, I am afraid we must say good-by.”