And the Robartses know more of them than anybody." "They say that the dean is his great friend." "What a pity it is that the Arabins should be away just now when he is in such trouble." And in this way the mother and daughter went on discussing the question of the clergyman's guilt in spite of Mrs.
Walker's previously expressed desire that nothing more might be said about it.

But Mrs.Walker, like many other mothers, was apt to be more free in converse with her daughter than she was with her son.
While they were thus talking the father came in from his office, and then the subject was dropped.

He was a man between fifty and sixty years of age, with grey hair, rather short, and somewhat corpulent, but still gifted with that amount of personal comeliness which comfortable position and the respect of others will generally seem to give.

A man rarely carries himself meanly, whom the world holds high in esteem.
"I am very tired, my dear," said Mr.Walker.
"You look tired.

Come and sit down for a few minutes before you dress.