After lunch she attired herself for walking, and went to the village
to see her mother. Lest Mrs. Waltham should be lonely, it had been
arranged that Alfred should come home every evening, instead of once
a week. Even thus, Adela had frequently reproached herself for
neglecting her mother. Mrs. Waltham, however, enjoyed much content.
The material comforts of her life were considerably increased, and
she had many things in anticipation. Adela's unsatisfactory health
rendered it advisable that the present year should pass in
quietness, but Mrs. Waltham had made up her mind that before long
there should be a house in London, with the delights appertaining
thereto. She did not feel herself at all too old to enjoy the
outside view of a London season; more than that it would probably be
difficult to obtain just yet. To-day she was in excellent spirits,
and welcomed her daughter exuberantly.
'You haven't seen Letty yet?' she asked. 'To-day, I mean.'
'No. Has she some news for me?'
'Alfred has an excellent chance of promotion. That old Wilkinson is
dead, and he thinks there's no doubt he'll get the place. It would
be two hundred and fifty a year.'
'That's good news, indeed.'
Of course it would mean Letty's immediate marriage. Mrs. Waltham
discussed the prospect in detail.
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