During these days I learned in an easy
conversational way all that had followed "the peace that God made." No
trouble was in its sequence--only that blessing which maketh rich and
addeth no sorrow therewith.
"Yes," Lady Hatton answered to my question concerning the youths I had
seen in the church with them, "they were my boys. I have four sons. The
eldest, called John, is attending to his father's business while my
husband takes a little holiday. Stephen is studying law, and George is
preparing for the Navy; my youngest boy, Elbert, is still at Rugby."
"And your daughters?" I asked.
She smiled divinely. "Oh!" she replied. "They are such darlings! Alice
is married and Jane is married and Clara is staying with her
grandmother. She is only sixteen. She is very beautiful and Mrs. Hatton
will hardly let her leave the Hall."
"Then Mrs. Hatton is still alive?" I said.
"Yes, indeed, very much so. She will _live_ to her last moment, and
likely 'pass out of it,' as our people say, busy with heart and head and
hands.
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