"Of course it's unfortunate about Mrs. Greville being ill; but there is no reason why she should not get better. And after all Rachel likes parish work."
"But when she had the time for it they gave her none to do; and now that there is that troublesome baby who is always needing her, she is called away from him to do her mother-in-law's work. But you don't care Sybil, I get no sympathy from you."
"I care very much, but I'm not going to worry over what can't be helped. And after all it's nobody's fault but Rachel's. She chose to marry Luke and must abide the consequences."
"I can't imagine what made her do it, when she could have had Archie. He is worth a dozen Lukes."
"I don't agree with you. Luke is worth more than Archie."
"Archie of course has his weak points, but for all that he is a dear. But if he did not suit her there was Sir Arthur, who was head over ears in love with her, and asked her twice to marry him."
"Yes, he was a nice man, and yet she chose Luke. I thought it silly of her at the time, but I am not sure that I have not changed my mind."
"But why?"
"Because he is such a thoroughly good man. Of course Rachel recognised this about him. She could trust him; and after all that is what a woman wants to be sure about before she marries."
"Oh, he is trustworthy I grant; but I don't like him. Rachel ought to have someone quite out of the common."