"It's just what she would do," said the son.
"They're the greatest thieves going. When once they have got their eyes upon money, they never take them off again."
"She's not been there long enough yet to give any one a hold upon her."
"I don't know that, John; but, if you'll take my advice, you'll find out the truth at once. She has no children, and if you've made up your mind about it, you'll do no good by delay."
"She's a very nice woman, in her way."
"Yes, she's nice enough. She's not a beauty; eh, John? and she won't set the Thames on fire."
"I don't wish her to do so; but I think she'd look after the girls, and do her duty."
"I dare say; unless she has taken to run after prayer-meetings every hour of her life."
"They don't often do that after they're married, sir."
"Well; I know nothing against her. I never thought much of her brothers, and I never cared to know them. One's dead now, and as for the other, I don't suppose he need trouble you much. If you've made up your mind about it, I think you might as well ask her at once." From all which it may be seen that Miss Mackenzie had been invited to the Cedars with a direct object on the part of Mr Ball.