Considering the chain of shocks and disappointments which Mrs Jane had suffered, Jenny was astonished to see how extremely bright and mirthful she was, and still more surprised to perceive that this light-heartedness appeared to infect the Colonel. It was not, however, shared by Mrs Lane.
“Well, Jane, child,” she said one morning to her daughter, “I am truly glad to see thee so light of heart, in especial after all the troubles and discomfitures thou hast gone through. ’Tis a blessing to have a hopeful nature.”
“Oh, I never trouble over past clouds when the sun shines again, madam,” said Mrs Jane cheerily.
“I marvel what we can make of your man, when he cometh back,” resumed Mrs Lane. “If you go not now again into Somerset, you will have no work for him to do.”
“Maybe, Madam, he shall not return hither,” answered her daughter.
“My cousin, Colonel Wyndham, had some notion he could find him a good place down yonder, and I thought you would judge it best to leave the matter to his discretion.”
“Oh, very good,” assented Mrs Lane. “So much the better. I would not have the young man feel himself ill-used, when my Lord Wilmot spake so well of him.”
“There is no fear of that, I hope,” replied Mrs Jane.
“O Mrs Jane! I am so thankful to hear that creature may not come back, after all!” cried Millicent.
“Ay, Millicent, you may sleep at ease in your bed,” said Mrs Jane, looking amused. “But I marvel why you feared him thus. I found him a right decent fellow, I can assure you.”