She, however, had eyes for no one but the
Vicar, with whom she started, _tete-a-tete_, in the direction of
the Vicarage.
Mrs. Colwood followed, shyly making acquaintance with the Roughsedges,
and the elder Miss Bertram. That lady was tall, fair, and faded; she had
a sharp, handsome nose, and a high forehead; and her eyes, which hardly
ever met those of the person with whom she talked, gave the impression
of a soul preoccupied, with few or none of the ordinary human
curiosities.
Mrs. Roughsedge, on the other hand, was most human, motherly, and
inquisitive. She wore two curls on either side of her face held by small
combs, a large bonnet, and an ample cloak. It was clear that whatever
adoration she could spare from her husband was lavished on her son. But
there was still enough good temper and good will left to overflow upon
the rest of mankind. She perceived in a moment that Mrs. Colwood was the
new "companion" to the heiress, that she was a widow, and sad--in spite
of her cheerfulness.
"Now I hope Miss Mallory is going to _like_ us!" she said, with a touch
of confidential good-humor, as she drew Mrs. Colwood a little behind the
others.
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