“I feel I’ve been unjust to your husband. I thought he wasn’t a proper match for you, and I said things about him which I shouldn’t even have thought. I’m very sorry. He’s one of the best and kindest men I’ve ever seen, and I’m very glad you married him, and I’m sure you’ll be very happy.” Tears came to Bertha’s eyes as she laughed; she felt inclined to throw her arms round the grim Miss Glover’s neck, for such a speech at that moment was very comforting. “Of course I know you didn’t mean what you said.” “Oh yes, I did, I’m sorry to say,” replied Miss Glover, who could allow no extenuation to her own crime. “I’d quite forgotten all about it; and I believe you’ll soon be as madly in love with Edward as I am.” “My dear Bertha,” replied Miss Glover, who never jested, “with your husband? You must be joking.” But Mrs. Branderton interrupted them with her high voice. “Bertha, dear, I want to talk to you.” Bertha, smiling, sat down beside her, and Mrs. Branderton proceeded in undertones. “I must tell you, every one has been saying you’re the handsomest couple in the county, and we all think your husband is so nice.” “He laughed at all your jokes,” replied Bertha. “Yes,” said Mrs. Branderton, looking upwards and sideways like a canary, “he has such a merry disposition. But I’ve always liked him, dear. I was telling Mrs. Mayston Ryle that I’ve known him intimately ever since he was born. I thought it would please you to know that we all think your husband is nice.” “I’m very much pleased. I hope Edward will be equally satisfied with all of you.” The Craddock’s carriage came early, and Bertha offered to drive the Glovers home. “I wonder if that lady has swallowed a poker,” said Mr. Molson, as soon as the drawing-room door was closed. The two Miss Hancocks went into shrieks of laughter at this sally, and even the Dean smiled gently. “Where did she get her diamonds from?” said the elder Miss Hancock. “I thought they were as poor as church mice.” “The diamonds and the pictures are the only things they have left,” said Mrs. Branderton; “her family always refused to sell them; though, of course, it’s absurd for people in that position to have such jewels.” “_He’s_ a remarkably nice fellow,” said Mrs. Mayston Ryle in her deep, authoritative voice; “but I agree with Mr. Molson, she’s distinctly inclined to give herself airs.” “The Leys for generations have been as proud as turkey-cocks,” added Mrs. Branderton. “I shouldn’t have thought Mrs. Craddock had much to be proud of now, at all events,” said the elder Miss Hancock; she had no ancestors herself, and thought people who had were snobs. “Perhaps she was a little nervous,” said Lady Waggett, who, though not distinguished, was good. “I know when I was a bride I used to be all of a tremble when I went to dinner-parties.”