This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
NOVELS AND REAL LIFE.
277

pression had been that she cared very little for her husband, his tastes and habits were so different from his Wife's, and she had been in the habit of saying, "Oh! that is only Mr. Troubridge's opinion," as if that opinion carried no weight whatever. She complained of his not living in Adelaide, which she thought they could well afford to do, and she had a number of grievances larger or smaller, that Mr. Troubridge would never redress, and did not care to hear about.

Amy had been accustomed in her old life in England to perfect sympathy and union of mind and heart existing between her father and mother; and at Branxholm Hugh Lindsay and his Wife were of one heart in all things, and he was always looked on as the head of the house, and his opinions and orders treated with respect and obedience. She had felt Mrs. Troubridge's indifferent or opposing manner jar upon her; and now she was astonished at the real grief she manifested. She tried to comfort the widow when death put an end to all cares and efforts in poor Mr. Troubridge's behalf; but she found that her words had little or no effect. Mr. Lufton had never shown himself in such good colours as he did on this occasion; he was so kind, so attentive, so thoughtful; he spared himself no fatigue and gave himself up to his friend's service. Mrs.