And Mrs. Falk really was pleased to see the old lady with the kindly expression in her eyes; an expression only found in the eyes of those who have weathered the storms of life with true courage.
"My dear Mrs. Falk," said her ladyship taking a seat; "I have all sorts of kind messages for you from your brother-in-law."
Mrs. Falk wondered what she had done to the old woman that she, too, evidently wanted to annoy her.
"Indeed?" she said, a little stiffly.
"He's a charming young man. He came to see my nephew to-day, at my house; they are great friends! He really is an excellent young man!"
"Isn't he?" joined in Mrs. Homan, always ready for a change of front. "We were just talking about him."
"Indeed? What I most admire in him is his courage in venturing on a course where one easily runs aground; but we need have no apprehensions so far as he is concerned; he's a man of character and principle. Don't you agree with me, Mrs. Falk?"
"I've always said so, but my husband thinks differently."
"Oh! Your husband has always had peculiar views," interposed Mrs. Homan.
"Is he a friend of your nephew's, Lady Rehnhjelm?" asked Mrs. Falk eagerly.