Onceagain，Stephenhadtoconqueraninstinctivepropensitytodislikethisoldwoman，thoughhermannerwasashonestandsimpleasamannerpossiblycouldbe。WithagentlenessthatwasasnaturaltohimasheknewittobetoRachael，hepursuedthesubjectthatinterestedherinheroldage。
\'Well，missus，\'saidhe，\'Ihaseenthelady，andshewereyoungandhansom。Wi\'finedarkthinkineyes，andastillway，Rachael，asIhaneverseenthelikeon。\'
\'Youngandhandsome。Yes！\'criedtheoldwoman，quitedelighted。
\'Asbonnyasarose！Andwhatahappywife！\'
\'Aye，missus，Isupposeshebe，\'saidStephen。ButwithadoubtfulglanceatRachael。