"Perhaps it is as well that she should be away just at present," said Mrs. Rowan, firmly but mildly.
"Quite as well," said Mrs. Tappitt, as firmly, but less mildly.
"Because we wish to say a few words to you, Mrs. Ray," said Mrs. Rowan.
"That is what has brought us out so early," said Mrs. Tappitt. It was only half-past two now, and company visiting was never done at Baslehurst till after three. "We want to say a few words to you, Mrs. Ray, about a very serious matter. I'm sure you know how glad I've always been to see Rachel with my girls, and I had her at our party the other night, you know. It isn't likely therefore that I should be disposed to say anything unkind about her."
"At any rate not to me, I hope," said Mrs. Ray.
"Not to anybody. Indeed I'm not given to say unkind things about people. No one in Baslehurst would give me that character. But the fact is, Mrs. Ray—"
"Perhaps, Mrs. Tappitt, you'll allow me," said Mrs. Rowan. "He's my son."
"Oh, yes, certainly;—that is, if you wish it," said Mrs. Tappitt, drawing herself up in her chair; "but I thought that perhaps, as I knew Miss Ray so well—"
"If you don't mind, Mrs. Tappitt—" and Mrs. Rowan, as she again took the words out of her friend's mouth, smiled upon her with a smile of great efficacy.
"Oh, dear, certainly not," said Mrs. Tappitt, acknowledging by her concession the superiority of Mrs. Rowan's nature.