Mrs Jones saw that she must say something to help him on.
'We are only too glad to have her society and aid. I assure you she has been invaluable in the parish, and is beloved by every one.'
'Exactly; I perceive a wonderful change in her; she is gentler, and less excitable. I feel that you—that your husband—in short, I mean—that—hem—'
'Freda has such a fine natural character, Mr Gwynne.'
'Precisely; I would say that I am convinced you would not influence her, and so forth, in remaining away from—you understand—from me, in short.'
'Certainly not. I should be very glad to think that she would return and live happily at her natural home, sorry as I should be to lose her.'
'Thank you very much indeed; you have always been her true friend. I am very anxious—so we are all you see—Lady Mary would like a companion—Harold attends to her better than to any one else. I hope you like Harold; ah—yes—he is a fine boy, and so talented; and you know—to be sure. I should wish to have Freda to read with me again; I assure you I miss her in many ways. And the colonel and Mrs Vaughan—the children—in fact—in short—you understand?'
'Perfectly, and will not throw any obstacle in the way of Freda's remaining at home.'
'Thank you very much. You are a true friend, Mrs Jones; thank you.'
Mrs Jones made a point of repeating that conversation to Freda, whose look of blank dismay quite startled her.