Poor thing--she must have known a great deal of trouble--an only child, and no mother! "Well, I'm sure if there's anything _we_ can do--" Mrs.Roughsedge nodded cheerfully towards her husband and son in front.
The gesture awakened a certain natural reserve in Mrs.Colwood, followed by a quick feeling of amusement with herself that she should so soon have developed the instinct of the watch-dog.

But it was not to be denied that the new mistress of Beechcote was well endowed, as single women go.

Fond mothers with marriageable sons might require some handling.
But Mrs.Roughsedge's simple kindness soon baffled distrust.

And Mrs.
Colwood was beginning to talk freely, when suddenly the Vicar and Miss Mallory in front came to a stop.

The way to the Vicarage lay along a side road.