But she was very young--not thirty years of age yet--and her little girl would soon grow up--and then?
Evidently her dream of peace was likely to be of limited duration; but she resigned herself to the unpleasant possibilities of the future with a good grace, in consideration of the advantages she enjoyed in the present.
Mrs.Ambrose was at home when Mrs.Goddard and little Eleanor came to the vicarage.

Indeed Mrs.Ambrose was rarely out in the afternoon, unless something very unusual called her away.

She received her visitor with the stern hospitality she exercised towards strangers.

The strangers she saw were generally the near relations of the young gentlemen whom her husband received for educational purposes.

She stood in the front drawing-room, that is to say, in the most impressive chamber of that fortress which is an Englishman's house.