Her lectures on housekeeping were long and frequent, during the delivery of which Charley always wisely lit a cigar, and took a stroll in the garden.
The “best bed” and “the best room” were always reserved for “dear mama,” and from her increasing volubility on all topics connected with married life, and from the number of times she left her daughter in tears from scoldings regarding household affairs, Mr. Charley Warbeck thanked his lucky stars that she had not proposed to live with them altogether.
For “if such braggadocio and endless lectures are characteristic of ‘the Haylarks’” he thought, “I am very glad little Clara has not inherited any of the hereditary virtues of that illustrious family.”
If “mama’s” semi-weekly visits always ended in Clara crying, Dame Worthington’s had the contrary effect.
For the little wife was supremely happy, and always laughing at the old lady’s stories about “dear Charley.”
In truth, Dame Worthington seemed to know so much about him, and her memory reached so far back, that Clara thought her husband must have been a very young, and a very small child indeed, when the old lady had first made his acquaintance.
At all events, Clara thought,
“She is very loving, and thoughtful, and kind. She loves me very much, and, as for ‘dear Charles,’ she idolizes him, and a mother could not manifest more care and anxiety for his welfare and happiness than she does.”
Sir Richard frequently visited Dame Worthington as usual, and had a long chat with her in her snug back parlour.
And, upon some occasions, the robust, short-breathing, imposing Mistress Haylark would join the party, and monopolize all the conversation.