"Ah, then you are so strong. It must be very nice to be so strong, and not to be obliged to think so much of one's self. Now, I am obliged to be so careful, for if I were to go out in the sun, very likely I should have quite a headache." It was so difficult to be sympathetic over this possibility, that Winifred found it hard to frame a suitable answer, and was grateful to Mrs Bennett for coming in at the moment, and presenting another outlet for conversation. Bessie was sitting upright, rigidly and girlishly contemptuous, and subjects seemed alarmingly few. "My father begged me to leave his card for Mr Bennett," Winifred said at last. "He would have come himself if some magistrate's business had not been in the way, but he is such a dreadfully conscientious magistrate, that all our little persuasions are quite hopeless." "I hope he is not very severe,--the poor people are so much to be pitied," said kindly Mrs Bennett. "Only think if one was starving! I am sure I should be very likely to take a joint or something." "No, he is not very severe," Winifred said hesitating, with her thoughts wandering. "It is rather that he has such strict ideas of uprightness that he finds it hard to make excuses--" She stopped suddenly, and the colour faded out of her face. Looking at Mrs Bennett, she had not heard the door open, nor seen Ada's rippling smiles, nor known that Anthony had come behind her, until a general movement made her look round, and then her start and change of colour gave an unlucky point to the words. Fortunately, Ada, who had longed that Anthony should come in, was triumphant, and not quick enough to read any discomfiture, claiming him at once with a show of possession. "O Anthony, have you seen Mr Mannering? He has been here and was so nice. He has asked us all to a garden party on Saturday, on purpose to show me his flowers. He asked me what time would be best, and I said four to seven, and we promised to be there punctually. I told him I would tell you all about it, but he says he shall write a formal invitation, so you are sure to have it, though of course I answered for you. I dare say you will be there," Ada went on, with a gracious patronage of Winifred.