It may be conceited; but to own the truth, I think that Mr.Robarts would be better off with us at Framley than with the Harold Smiths at Chaldicotes--even though Mrs.Proudie be thrown into the bargain." It was nearly dark, and therefore the rising colour in the face of Mrs.Robarts could not be seen.

She, however, was too good a wife to hear these things said without some anger within her bosom.

She could blame her husband in her own mind; but it was intolerable to her that others should blame him in her hearing.
"He would undoubtedly be better off," she said; "but then, Lady Lufton, people can't always go exactly where they will be best off.
Gentlemen sometimes must--" "Well--well, my dear, that will do.

He has not taken you, at any rate; and so we will forgive him." And Lady Lufton kissed her.

"As it is,"-- and she affected a low whisper between the two young wives--"as it is, we must e'en put up with poor old Evan Jones.