Elizabeth Gaskell

“ Gibson himself, though he thought it his duty to damp the exultant anticipations of his wife and her daughter, was not at all averse to the prospect of going to London, and seeing half-a-dozen old friends, and many scientific exhibitions, independently of the very fair amount of liking which he had for his host, Mr. Kirkpatrick, himself. ”

“ The idea of a residence in a new, strange country, among new, strange people, was not without allurement to Cynthia.
'You always look nice, dear; but don't you think you had better put on that pretty lilac silk?'
'I shall not vary a thread or a shred from what I have got on now.'
'You dear wilful creature! you know you always look lovely in whatever you put on.' So, kissing her daughter, Mrs. Gibson left the room, intent on the lunch which should impress Mr. Henderson at once with an idea of family refinement.
Cynthia went upstairs to Molly; She was inclined to tell her about Mr. ”

“ Cynthia looked grave. 'That was a very silly affair,' she said. 'We were two as unsuitable people—'
'It has ended, and that's enough. Besides, I've no more time to waste; and there is your smart young man coming here in all haste.'
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick sent all manner of congratulations; and, in a private letter, assured Mrs. Gibson that her ill-timed confidence about Roger should be considered as quite private. For as soon as Mr Henderson had made his appearance in Hollingford, she had written a second letter, entreating them not to allude to anything she might have said in her first ”