CHAPTER III.
WHAT DOROTHY'S NEIGHBOURS SAID OF GILBERT'S DESERTION.
The news of Gilbert Rushmere's good fortune soon spread through the parish. The farmer told it to his men in the field, the men told it, as in duty bound, to their wives, and then it flew like wildfire from house to house.
Miss Watling invited her neighbours to tea, to talk it over, and have her say upon the subject.
In her front parlour, or tea room, as she called it, were assembled several old friends.
The first in place and dignity, Mrs. Barford, senior, to whom had been assigned the large easy chair, with its commodious fringed cushion, and well padded elbows. For the special use of her feet a footstool, covered with a piece of coarse worsted work, which had been the pride of Miss Watling's school days.
The old lady looked very dignified in her best black silk gown and cap of real French lace, and seemed to consider herself a person of no small importance.
Her daughter-in-law, who held a very subordinate position in the estimation of the public, sat near the window, as red, as plump, as much overdressed, and as vulgar looking as ever.