My lady looked like a splendid fairy queen of mature age, in black velvet, and the old lace, which I have never seen her wear before since my lord's death.

But the company?
you'll say.

Why, we had the parson of Clover, and the parson of Headleigh, and the parson of Merribank, and the three parsonesses; and Farmer Donkin, and two Miss Donkins; and Mr.Gray (of course), and myself and Bessy; and Captain and Mrs.James; yes, and Mr.and Mrs.Brooke; think of that! I am not sure the parsons liked it; but he was there.

For he has been helping Captain James to get my lady's land into order; and then his daughter married the agent; and Mr.Gray (who ought to know) says that, after all, Baptists are not such bad people; and he was right against them at one time, as you may remember.

Mrs.Brooke is a rough diamond, to be sure.