The dried-leaf rustle of her silk dress was suggestive of the ripe autumn of life, bringing with it those golden fruits of wisdom and experience which the grave teachers of mankind so justly prefer to the idle blossoms of adolescence.
It is needless to say that the visit was conducted with the most perfect propriety in all respects.

Mrs.Hopkins was disposed to take upon herself a large share of the conversation.

The minister, on the other hand, would have devoted himself more particularly to Miss Susan, but, with a very natural make-believe obtuseness, the good woman drew his fire so constantly that few of his remarks, and hardly any of his insinuating looks, reached the tender object at which they were aimed.
It is probable that his features or tones betrayed some impatience at having thus been foiled of his purpose, for Mrs.Hopkins thought he looked all the time as if he wanted to get rid of her.

The three parted, therefore, not in the best humor all round.

Mrs.Hopkins declared she'd see the minister in Jericho before she'd fix herself up as if she was goin' to a weddin' to go and see him again.