"At least, I've read so," corrected Mattie. "It's a thing I shall never understand, Mr. Hinchford."
"Time enough—time enough, my girl."
"But our Harriet, she's pretty, she's a lady, she's meant to be loved by everybody she meets, and she's the only one that's good enough to marry him."
She lowered her voice at the last word, and made a quick movement with her hand in the direction of the adjoining room.
"You are very fond of Harriet, Mattie?" said Mr. Hinchford, curiously.
"As I need be, sir, surely."
"Ah! surely—she is amiable and kind."
"Always so, I think."
"A little thoughtless, perhaps—eh?"
He was curious concerning Harriet Wesden now—no match-making mother could have taken more indirect and artful means to elicit the truth concerning her child's elect.