"I was hoping for your support.

Allow me to introduce--my wife!" His words had a pride of possession that rang clarion-like in every syllable, and in response Lady Harriet was moved to offer a cold cheek in salutation to the bride.

Stella bent instantly and kissed it with a quick graciousness that would have melted any one less austere, but in Lady Harriet's opinion the act was marred by its very impulsiveness.

She did not like impulsive people.

So, with chill repression, she accepted the only overture from Stella that she was ever to receive.
But if she were proof against the girl's ready charm, with her husband it was quite otherwise.