Mr. Ingram, forgive me for even doubting you for a moment. I might have
known that you would only introduce my daughter to a lady."

The Rector drew himself up a very little.

"Certainly, Beatrice Meadowsweet is a lady," he replied. "If a noble
heart, and frank and fearless ways, and an educated mind, and a refined
nature can make a lady, then she is one--no better in the land."

"I am charmed, _charmed_ to hear it. It is such a relief. For,
really Mr. Ingram, some people from Northbury came and sat on that very
sofa which you are occupying, who were quite too--oh, well, they were
absolutely dreadful. I wonder if Mrs. Meadowsweet has called. I don't
remember the name, but I suppose she has. I must look amongst the cards
which have absolutely been showered on us and see. I must certainly
return her visit and at once. Poor Mr. Meadowsweet--he was in the army
perhaps! I am quite glad to know there are people of our position here.
Did you say the army? Or perhaps a retired gentleman,--ah, I see
Catherine and Mabel coming back. Which was Mr. Meadowsweet's regiment?"

Poor Mr. Ingram's face grew absolutely pink.

"At some time in his life poor Meadowsweet may have served in the local
volunteers," he replied. "He was however, a--ah, Miss Catherine, what
tempting strawberries!"

The rector approached the open French window. Mrs. Bertram followed him
quickly.

"A--what?" she repeated. "The girls needn't know whom we are talking