she remarked in a casual manner,

"Mrs. Harlow was here yesterday, and she said her apricots were safely
put away."

"Was Miss Harlow with her?"

"No. There was a tennis game at Lady Thirsk's. I suppose she was there."

"Have you seen her lately?"

"She took tea with me last Wednesday. What a beauty she is! Such color
in her cheeks! It was like the apricots when the sun was on them. Such
shining black hair so wonderfully braided and coiled! Such sparkling,
flashing black eyes! Such a tall, splendid figure! Such a rosy mouth! It
seemed as if it was made for smiles and kisses."

"And she walks like a queen, mother!"

"She does that."

"And she is so bright and independent!"

"Well, John, she is. There's no denying it."

"She is finely educated and also related to the best Yorkshire families.
Could I marry any better woman, mother?"

"Well, John, as a rule men don't approve of poor wives, but Miss Jane
Harlow is a fortune in herself."