"Yes, Sir; I have great confidence in your judgment, and I know that you are devoted to the interests of our family. My poor husband always esteemed you highly."
"Oh, Ma'am! you do me honor!"
"If I have not consulted you about our affairs of late, it is because
I have had troubles which I did not wish to burden you with."
"We all have our troubles, Mrs. Kinloch."
"They are very sad to bear,—but profitable, nevertheless.
"But I'm sure you must be wonderfully supported in your trials; I never saw you looking better."
And truly, her thin and mobile lips were of a strangely bright coral, and her usually wan cheeks wore a delicate flush, lending her a beauty, not youthful, to be sure, but yet fascinating. One might desire to see an eye less intense and restless, but he would rarely see a woman of forty so charming.
"You notice my color," said Mrs. Kinloch, mournfully, and with a faint smile; "it's only the effect of a headache. I am far enough from well."
"Indeed!" was the sympathetic reply.
"I have met with a great loss, Mr. Clamp,—some papers of the greatest importance. I was going to consult you about them."