At last she agreed to it, but not till after much persuading.

I was then sorry that I rode over instead of driving; but I have hired a nice comfortable carriage--the easiest-going I could get--and she'll be here in a couple of hours or less.

I rode on ahead to tell you to get her room ready; but I see her husband has come back." "Yes," said Mrs.Melbury.

She expressed her concern that her husband had hired a carriage all the way from Shottsford.

"What it will cost!" she said.
"I don't care what it costs!" he exclaimed, testily.