Page:Eliot - Middlemarch, vol. IV, 1872.djvu/216

206 was usually observable in her, these being precautions adopted against freedom of speech. She was resolved not to ask how Mr Bulstrode was.

"I have not been anywhere except to church for nearly a week," said Mrs Bulstrode, after a few introductory remarks. "But Mr Bulstrode was taken so ill at the meeting on Thursday that I have not liked to leave the house."

Mrs Hackbutt rubbed the back of one hand with the palm of the other held against her chest, and let her eyes ramble over the pattern on the rug.

"Was Mr Hackbutt at the meeting?" persevered Mrs Bulstrode.

"Yes, he was," said Mrs Hackbutt, with the same attitude. "The land is to be bought by subscription, I believe."

"Let us hope that there will be no more cases of cholera to be buried in it," said Mrs Bulstrode. "It is an awful visitation. But I always think Middlemarch a very healthy spot. I suppose it is being used to it from a child; but I never saw the town I should like to live at better, and especially our end."

"I am sure I should be glad that you always should live at Middlemarch, Mrs Bulstrode," said Mrs Hackbutt, with a slight sigh. "Still, we