She had come direct from her mirror, and was complacent accordingly.

Also, she felt that domestic decorum must be preserved on the "at home" day.
"That is a very pretty dress you have on; I suppose Dr.Grey bought it in London ?" "Yes." "Did he choose it likewise ?" "I believe so." "My sister always chose her own dresses; but then she paid for them too.

She had a little income of her own, which is a very good thing for a wife to have." "A very good thing." "Indeed, Mrs.Grey, I scarcely expected you to think so." "I think," said Christian, firmly, though for the moment the silk gown seemed to burn her arms, and the pearl brooch and lace collar to weigh like lead on her bosom, "I think that in any true marriage it does not signify one jot whether the husband or the wife has the money.

Shall we go down stairs ?" There was time for the hot cheek to cool and the angry heart to be stilled a little before the visitors came.
Miss Gascoigne had truly remarked that the master's wife was unaccustomed to society--that society which forms the staple of all provincial towns, well dressed, well mannered, well informed.

But it seemed to Christian as if these ladies, though thoroughly ladylike in manner, which was very grateful to her innate sense of refinement, all dressed after one fashion, and talked mostly about the same things.