“You always compare everything you’ve got to what others have got,” answered Lydia. “When you was a tiny child, you’d love your toys till you saw the toys of other children. Then you’d grow discontent. At school, if you took a prize, it was poisoned, because some other girl had got a prettier book than you; and everybody else’s garden was nicer than ours; and everybody else had better furniture in their houses and better pictures on their walls and better clothes on their backs. And now it’s your husband that isn’t in it with other people’s husbands. Perhaps you’ll tell me, Medora, what husbands round about can beat Ned for sense and cheerfulness and an easy mind and the other things that go to make a home comfortable.” “Everybody isn’t married,” answered Medora. “I don’t look round and compare Ned to other husbands. I’ve got something better to do. But I can’t help seeing with all his good nature and the rest of it that he’s a slight man—not a sort for woman to repose upon as something with quicker wits—stronger, more masterful than herself.” “Like who?” asked Mrs. Trivett. “Well—I’m only speaking to you, mother—take yesterday. Jordan Kellock asked us to go for a row in the gamekeeper’s boat and see the river—me and Ned. And we went; and how could I help seeing that Jordan had the brains? Nothing he said, for he’s a good friend and above smallness; but while Ned chattered and laughed and made a noise, there was Jordan, pleasant and all that; but you felt behind was strength of character and a mind working and thinking more than it said; while my husband was saying more than he thinks. And I hate to hear him chatter and then, when he’s challenged, climb down and say he sees he was wrong.” “You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth in human nature, Medora. And it’s a bit staggering to hear you mention Kellock, of all men, seeing the circumstances. If you feel like that, why didn’t you take Kellock when you could?” Medora’s reply caused her mother consternation. “God knows why I didn’t,” she said. The elder gave a little gasp and did not answer. “It’s wrong when you have to correct your husband in front of another man,” continued Medora; “but I’ve got my self respect I believe—so far—and I won’t let Ned say foolish things before people and let others think I’m agreeing with him. And if I’ve spoken sharp when men or women at the works heard me, Ned’s got himself to thank for it. Anyway Jordan knows I’m not without brains, and I’m not going to pretend I am. I laughed at Ned in the boat yesterday, and he said after that he didn’t mind my laughing at him, but he wouldn’t have it before people.” Mrs. Trivett left the main issue as a subject too big for the moment.