Miss Gascoigne stopped benignly, much to Christian's surprise, for she did not guess what a wonderful influence clothes have in calming down ill tempers. And Miss Gascoigne was beautifully dressed—quite perfect from top to toe; and she was such a handsome woman still, that it was quite a pleasure to look at her, as she very well knew. She had come direct from her mirror, and was complacent accordingly. Also, she felt that domestic decorum must be preserved on the "at home" day.
"That is a very pretty dress you have on; I suppose Dr. Grey bought it in London?"
"Yes."
"Did he choose it likewise?"
"I believe so."
"My sister always chose her own dresses; but then she paid for them too. She had a little income of her own, which is a very good thing for a wife to have."
"A very good thing."
"Indeed, Mrs. Grey, I scarcely expected you to think so."
"I think," said Christian, firmly, though for the moment the silk gown seemed to burn her arms, and the pearl brooch and lace collar to weigh like lead on her bosom, "I think that in any true marriage it does not signify one jot whether the husband or the wife has the money. Shall we go down stairs?"
There was time for the hot cheek to cool and the angry heart to be stilled a little before the visitors came.