Many evenings , indeed , Ellen effaced herself almost totally , sitting back in the corner with St. George in her lap , and letting Mr. Meredith and Rosemary talk and sing and read books together . Sometimes they quite forgot her presence . But if their conversation or choice of duets ever betrayed the least tendency to what Ellen considered philandering , Ellen promptly nipped that tendency in the bud and blotted Rosemary out for the rest of the evening . But not even the grimmest of amiable dragons can altogether prevent a certain subtle language of eye and smile and eloquent silence ; and so the minister 's courtship progressed after a fashion . But if it was ever to reach a climax that climax must come when Ellen was away . And Ellen was so seldom away , especially in winter . She found her own fireside the pleasantest place in the world , she vowed . Gadding had no attraction for her . She was fond of company but she wanted it at home . Mr. Meredith had almost been driven to the conclusion that he must write to Rosemary what he wanted to say , when Ellen casually announced one evening that she was going to a silver wedding next Saturday night . She had been bridesmaid when the principals were married . Only old guests were invited , so Rosemary was not included . Mr. Meredith pricked up his ears a trifle and a gleam flashed into his dreamy dark eyes . Both Ellen and Rosemary saw it ; and both Ellen and Rosemary felt , with a tingling shock , that Mr. Meredith would certainly come up the hill next Saturday night . `` Might as well have it over with , St. George , '' Ellen sternly told the black cat , after Mr. Meredith had gone home and Rosemary had silently gone upstairs . `` He means to ask her , St. George -- I 'm perfectly sure of that . So he might as well have his chance to do it and find out he ca n't get her , George . She 'd rather like to take him , Saint . I know that -- but she promised , and she 's got to keep her promise . I 'm rather sorry in some ways , St. George .
I do n't know XXXXX a man I 'd sooner have for a brother-in-law if a brother-in-law was convenient .
after at for if in of out so that to