She was not especially appreciated, for she was considered prosy and commonplace.
Prosy she undoubtedly was, but not commonplace, for invariable contentment and unbounded good-nature are more and more difficult to find in this censorious world.
Mrs.Meadowsweet now smiled gently to herself.
"However Beatrice may take it, I _am_ glad Mrs.Bertram called," she murmured.

"_He'd_ have liked it, poor man! he never put himself out, and he never interfered with me, no, never, poor dear.

But he liked people to show due respect--it's a respect to Beatrice for Mrs.Bertram to call.

It shows that she appreciates Beatrice as her daughter's friend.

Mrs.Bertram, notwithstanding her pride, is likely to be very much respected in Northbury, and no wonder.