‘I hope you will soon get rid of your cold.’
‘Thank you, my dear. I haven’t asked how the little boy is. Well, I hope?’
‘Very well, I am glad to say.’
‘And your husband—he is prospering?’
‘I shouldn’t like to say he is prospering; it seems to mean so much; but I think he is doing good work, and we are satisfied with the results.’
‘My dear, you are an admirable wife.’
Nancy coloured; for the first time, a remark of Mrs. Damerel’s had given her pleasure. She moved forward with hand offered for leave-taking. They had never kissed each other, but, as if overcoming diffidence, Mrs. Damerel advanced her lips; then, as suddenly, she drew back.
‘I had forgotten. I may give you my sore throat.’
Nancy kissed her cheek.
That night Mrs. Damerel was feverish, and the next day she kept her bed. The servant who waited upon her had to endure a good many sharp reproofs; trouble did not sweeten this lady’s temper, yet she never lost sight of self-respect, and even proved herself capable of acknowledging that she was in the wrong. Mrs. Damerel possessed the elements of civilisation.