Her eyes were steadfast, clear, and bright, well able to second her distinct calm voice, and handsome still, though their deep blue had waned into a quiet, impenetrable gray; while her broad clear forehead, straight nose, and red lips might well be considered as comely as ever, at least by those who loved her.

Of these, however, there were not many; and she was content to have it so.
Mrs.Carnaby, the younger sister, would not have been content to have it so.

Though not of the weak lot which is enfeoffed to popularity, she liked to be regarded kindly, and would rather win a smile than exact a courtesy.

Continually it was said of her that she was no genuine Yordas, though really she had all the pride and all the stubbornness of that race, enlarged, perhaps, but little weakened, by severe afflictions.
This lady had lost a beloved husband, Colonel Carnaby, killed in battle; and after that four children of the five she had been so proud of.

And the waters of affliction had not turned to bitterness in her soul.
Concerning the outward part--which matters more than the inward at first hand--Mrs.Carnaby had no reason to complain of fortune.