They had told her how splendid Kate was, how they loved her, how glad they were that she was to have the school again, how fortunate her son was, how proud she should be, until she was almost bursting with repressed venom.
She met them at the gate, after their week's camping.

They were feeling in splendid health, the best spirits possible in the circumstances, but appearing dirty and disreputable.

They were both laughing as they approached the gate.
"Purty lookin' bride you be!" Mrs.Holt spat at Kate.
"Yes, aren't I ?" laughed Kate.

"But you just give me a tub of hot soapsuds and an hour, and you won't know me.

How are you?
Things look as if you were expecting us." "Hump!" said Mrs.Holt.
Kate laughed and went into the house.