"I always wished you would call."

"Yes, and I would not by way of patronage to please Mr. Touchett, but
this is for a purpose; and I hope we shall find both sisters at
home."

Mackarel Lane was at right angles to the shore, running up the valley
of the Avon; but it soon ceased to be fishy, and became agricultural,
owning a few cottages of very humble gentility, which were wont to
hang out boards to attract lodgers of small means. At one of these
Grace rang, and obtained admittance to a parlour with crazy French
windows opening on a little strip of garden. In a large wheeled
chair, between the fire and the window, surrounded by numerous little
appliances for comfort and occupation, sat the invalid Miss Williams,
holding out her hand in welcome to the guests.

"A fine countenance! what one calls a fine countenance!" thought
Rachel. "Is it a delusion of insipidity as usual? The brow is good,
massive, too much for the features, but perhaps they were fuller
once; eyes bright and vigorous, hazel, the colour for thought;
complexion meant to be brilliant brunette, a pleasant glow still;
hair with threads of grey. I hope she does not affect youth; she
can't be less than one or two and thirty! Many people set up for
beauties with far less claim. What is the matter with her? It is
not the countenance of deformity--accident, I should say. Yes, it
is all favourable except the dress. What a material; what a pattern!
Did she get it second-hand from a lady's-maid? Will there be an
incongruity in her conversation to match? Let us see. Grace making
inquiries--Quite at my best--Ah! she is not one of the morbid sort,