in in choky mufflers.

She had prouder moments too. On her finger glittered a gorgeous band of
diamonds and sapphires which she had chosen for her engagement ring, and
it was noticed that Joanna Godden now always drove with her gloves off.
She had insisted on driving Martin round the Marsh to call on her
friends--to show him to Mrs. Southland, Mrs. Vine, and Mrs. Prickett, to
say nothing of their husbands who had always said no man in his senses
would marry Joanna Godden. Well, not merely a man but a gentleman was
going to do it--a gentleman who had his clothes made for him at a London
tailor's instead of buying them ready-made at Lydd or Romney or Rye, who
had--he confessed it, though he never wore it--a top hat in his
possession, who ate late dinner and always smelt of good tobacco and
shaving soap ... such thoughts would bring the old Joanna back, for one
fierce moment of gloating.

Her reception by North Farthing House had done nothing to spoil her
triumph. Martin's father and brother had both accepted her--the latter
willingly, since he believed that she would be a sane and stabilizing
influence in Martin's life, hitherto over-restless and mood-ridden. He
looked upon his brother as a thwarted romantic, whose sophistication had
debarred him from finding a natural outlet in religion. He saw in his
love for Joanna the chance of a return to nature and romance, since he
loved a thing at once simple and adventurous, homely and splendid--which
was how religion appeared to Father Lawrence. He had liked Joanna very
much on their meeting, and she liked him too, though as she told him
frankly she "didn't hold with Jesoots."

As for Sir Harry, he too liked Joanna, and was too well-bred and fond of
women to show himself ungracious about that which he could not prevent.

"I've surrendered, Martin. I can't help myself. You'll bring down my
grey hairs in sorrow to the grave, but I am all beautiful resignation.
Indeed I think I shall offer myself as best man, and flirt dutifully
with Ellen Godden, who I suppose will be chief bridesmaid. Your brother
shall himself perform the ceremony. What could your family do more?"

"What indeed?" laughed Martin. He felt warmhearted towards all men
now--he could forgive both his father for having had too much experience
and his brother for having had too little.

Sec.14

The actual date of the wedding was not fixed till two months had run.
Though essentially adult and practical in al