She must be several years past fifty; but I liked her kind, slow way of talking; and what a handsome gown she had on, Laura, real lace on it, and a real Maltese lace shawl!" "She has a good jointure," said Laura; "she can afford to dress well.
The girls, the Miss Grants, have graceful, easy manners, just the kind of manners I should like to have; but I can't say I thought much of their dress.

I am sure those muslins must have been washed several times.

In fact, they were decidedly shabby.

I think it odd and old-fashioned of them always to call Mrs.Henfrey 'Sister.'" "I do not see that; she is older than their mother was; they could not well address her by her Christian name.

They do not seem to be a marrying family, and that is odd, as their mother married three times.
The Grants are the children of the second marriage, are they not ?" "Yes; but three times! Did she marry three times?
Ah, I remember--how shocking!" "Shocking," exclaimed Mrs.Melcombe, "O, Laura, I consider it quite irreligious of you to say that." Laura laughed.