In her strange attraction towards him she had felt a charming sense of what she believed was a superior and even matronly protection; in the utter isolation of her life now--and with her husband's foolish abuse of him ringing in her ears--it seemed a sacred duty.

She had lost a son.

Providence had sent her an ideal friend to replace him.

And this was quite consistent, too, with a faint smile that began to play about her mouth as she recalled some instances of Barker's delightful and irresistible youthfulness.
There was a clatter of hoofs and the sound of many voices from the street.

Mrs.Horncastle knew it was the down coach changing horses; it would be off again in a few moments, and, no doubt, bearing her husband away with it.