Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/82

70 was like a new garment, all very neat and trim to look at, but so tight in the elbows that you would fear to split the seams by the unrestricted motion of your arms, and so smooth and fine in surface that you scruple to expose it to a single drop of rain.

Soon after the arrival of the guests, my mother mentioned Mrs. Graham, regretted she was not there to meet them, and explained to the Millwards and Wilsons, the reasons she had given for neglecting to return their calls, hoping they would excuse her, as she was sure she did not mean to be uncivil, and would be glad to see them at any time;—

"But she is a very singular lady, Mr. Lawrence," added she; "we don't know what to make of her—but I dare say you can tell us something about her; for she is your tenant, you know,—and she said she knew you a a little."

All eyes were turned to Mr. Lawrence. I