He, Jabez, was the older man of the two by six or seven years, for the Rector was not more than forty-five.

The clerk crossed the hall, its tessellated flags gleaming under the colours thrown in by the stained windows, and entered the drawing-room, a noble apartment looking on to the lawn in front.

Mrs.Ashton, a tall, delicate-looking woman, with a gentle face, was standing before a painting just come home and hung up; to look at which the Rector and his wife had gone into the room.
It was the portrait of a sweet-looking girl with a sunny countenance.

The features were of the delicate contour of Mrs.Ashton's; the rich brown hair, the soft brown eyes, and the intellectual expression of the face resembled the doctor's.

Altogether, face and portrait were positively charming; one of those faces you must love at first sight, without waiting to question whether or not they are beautiful.
"Is it a good likeness, Jabez ?" asked the Rector, whilst Mrs.Ashton made room for him with a smile of greeting.
"As like as two peas, sir," responded Jabez, when he had taken a long look.