She almost always broke up her remarks by appeals to one and another of her listeners, and she now did not go on till John had made the admission that she had consulted him.

She then proceeded with all deliberation-- "But you should have seen how vexed St.George looked.

He had no idea, he said, that I should ever think of leaving him; and, indeed, I may mention to you in confidence, both of you, that he always drew for me what money I said was wanted for the bills, and he no more thought of looking at my housekeeping books than my father did." "Really," said Valentine.
He was quite aware of this, to him, insignificant fact, but to have said more would only have put her out, and he wanted her to talk just then.
"And so," she continued slowly, "I said to him, I said, 'My dear Giles, I have had a pleasant home in this house, many, many years, indeed, ever since you were a child; but it is my opinion (and you will find it is the general opinion) that every young wife should have her house to herself.' I did not doubt at all that this was her opinion too, only I considered that as he had spoken so plainly, she might not like to say so." "No, very likely not," said John, when she stopped, as if stranded, till somebody helped her on with a remark.
"You are quite right, John, any one might have thought so; but in a minute or two.

'Well,' said St.George, 'this is rather a blow;' and what does that pretty creature do but come and sit by me, and begin to coax me.

'She wanted me so much, and it would be so kind if I would but stop and do as I always had done, and she would be so careful to please me, and she had always thought the house was so beautifully managed, and everything in such order, and so regular.'" "So it is," Valentine put in.