, on the minx of a wife. However, the
solitary servant whom they kept declared that though Mr. Welford
did sometimes frown, and Mrs. Welford did sometimes weep, they were
extremely attached to each other, and only quarrelled through love. The
maid had had four lovers herself, and was possibly experienced in such
matters. They received no visitors, near or from a distance; and the
postman declared he had never seen a letter directed to either. Thus a
kind of mystery hung over the pair, and made them still more gazed on
and still more disliked--which is saying a great deal--than they would
have otherwise been. Poor as Welford was, his air and walk eminently
bespoke what common persons term gentility. And in this he had greatly
the advantage of his beautiful wife, who, though there was certainly
nothing vulgar or plebeian in her aspect, altogether wanted the
refinement of manner, look, and phrase which characterized Welford.
For about two years they lived in this manner, and so frugally and
tranquilly that though Welford had not any visible means of subsistence,
no one could well wonder in what manner they did subsist. About the
end of that time Welford suddenly embarked a small sum in a county
speculation. In the course of this adventure, to the great surprise of
his neighbours, he evinced an extraordinary turn for calculation, and
his habits plainly bespoke a man both of business and ability. This
disposal of capital brought a sufficient return to support the Welfords,
if they had been so disposed, in rather a better style than heretofore.
They remained, however, in much the same state; and the only difference
that the event produced was the retirement of Mr. Welford from the
profession he had embraced. He was no longer a solicitor! It must be
allowed that he resigned no great advantages in this retirement. About
this time some officers were quartered at ------; and one of them, a
handsome lieutenant, was so struck with the charms of Mrs. Welford,
whom he saw at church, that he lost no opportunity of testifying his
admiration. It was maliciously yet not unfoundedly remarked that though
no absolute impropriety could be detected in the manner of Mrs. Welford,
she certainly seemed far from displeased with the evident homage of the
young lieutenant. A blush tinged her cheek when she saw him; and the
gallant coxcomb asserted that the blush was not always without a smile.
Emboldened by the interpretations of his vanity, and cont