Mr.Belcher had bought the house without her knowledge; Mrs.
Dillingham had arranged it without her supervision.

She seemed to herself to be simply a child, over whose life others had assumed the offices of administration.
Mrs.Belcher was weary, and she would have been delighted to be alone with her family, but here was an intruder whom she could not dispose of.
She would have been glad to go over the house alone, and to have had the privilege of discovery, but she must go with one who was bent on showing her everything, and giving her reasons for all that had been done.
Mrs.Dillingham was determined to play her cards well with Mrs.Belcher.
She was sympathetic, confidential, most respectful; but she found that lady very quiet.

Mr.Belcher followed them from room to room, with wider eyes for Mrs.Dillingham than for the details of his new home.

Now he could see them together--the mother of his children, and the woman who had already won his heart away from her.

The shapely lady, with her queenly ways, her vivacity, her graceful adaptiveness to persons and circumstances, was sharply contrasted with the matronly figure, homely manners, and unresponsive mind of his wife.