It was a great occasion; I had never been so happy before in my life.

I was in great doubt about taking Ann Coddle; never having been out of the house without a person of that description in attendance before.

But Ann got a suspicion of my doubt and settled it, to go--of course.

I think Richard was rather chagrined when she followed us out to get into the carriage; she was so dried-up and shrewish-looking, and wore such an Irish bonnet.

But she preserved a discreet silence, and looked steadfastly out of the carriage window, so we soon forgot that she was there, though she was directly opposite to us.