CHAPTER XL JOY WELL-NIGH INCREDIBLE 

The midday letters were a riddle to the ladies at Malvern. 

'Out all day,' said Mary, 'that is well. He will get strong out boating.' 

'I hope Herbert has come home to take him out,' said Constance. 

'Or he may be yachting. I wonder he does not say who is taking him out. I am glad that he can feel that sense of enjoyment.' 

Yet that rejoicing seemed to be almost an effort to the poor mother who craved for a longer letter, and perhaps almost felt as if her Frank were getting out of sympathy with her grief--and what could be the good news? 

'Herbert must have passed!' said Constance. 

'I hope he has, but the expression is rather strong for that,' said Lady Adela. 

'Perhaps Ida is engaged to that Mr. Deyncourt? Was that his name?' said Lady Northmoor languidly. 

'Oh! that would be delicious,' cried Constance, 'and Ida has grown much more thoughtful lately, so perhaps she would do for a clergyman's wife.' 

'Is Ida better?' asked her aunt, who had been much drawn towards the girl by hearing that her health had suffered from grief for Michael. 

'Mamma does not mention her in her last letter, but poor Ida is really much more delicate than one would think, though she looks so strong. This would be delightful!' 

'Yet, joy well-nigh incredible!' said her aunt, meditatively. 'Were not those the words? It would not be like your uncle to put them in that way unless it were something--even more wonderful, and besides, why should he not write it to me?' 
Which posts were an enigma?
midday letters