No doubt the best and simplest
arrangement would be for the pair to live on in the same house. For
the present, of course. Alfred was now firm on the commercial
ladder, and in a few years his income would doubtless be
considerable; then a dwelling of a very different kind could be
found. With the wedding, too, she was occupying her thoughts.
'Yours was not quite what it ought to have been, Adela. I felt it at
the time, but then things were done in such a hurry. Of course the
church must be decorated. The breakfast you will no doubt arrange to
have at the Manor. Letty ought to have a nice, a really nice
_trousseau_; I know you will be kind to her, my dear.'
As Alice had done, Mrs. Waltham noticed before long that Adela was
far brighter than usual. She remarked upon it.
'You begin to look really well, my love. It makes me happy to see
you. How much we have to be thankful for! I've had a letter this
morning from poor Lizzie Henbane; I must show it you. They're in
such misery as never was. Her husband's business is all gone to
nothing, and he is cruelly unkind to her. How thankful we ought to
be!'
'Surely not for poor Lizzie's unhappiness!' said Adela, with a
return of her maiden archness.
'On our own account, my dear. We have had so much to contend
against.
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