She had flattened her gray curls against the window for one deliberative moment; had then rushed in; and as soon as the carrier's cart of Long Whindale, which she was now anxiously awaiting, should have arrived, bearing with it the produce of that adventure, Mrs.Thornburgh would be a proud woman, prepared to meet a legion of rectors' wives without flinching.

Not, indeed, in all respects a woman at peace with herself and the world.

In the country, where every household should be self-contained, a certain discredit attaches in every well-regulated mind to 'getting things in.' Mrs.Thornburgh was also nervous at the thought of the bill.

It would have to be met gradually out of the weekly money.

For 'William' was to know nothing of the matter, except so far as a few magnificent generalities and the testimony of his own dazzled eyes might inform him.