I--uh--but what is your own attitude with regard to this proposal, Mrs.Baxendale ?' 'I think I must be content to do my niece's bidding,' said the lady addressed.
'There's one thing, it seems to me, being lost sight of,' came from Mrs.
Birks, in the disinterested tone of a person who wishes to deliver with all clearness an unpleasant suggestion.

'We are very much in the dark as to Miss Hood's--I should say Mrs.Athel's--antecedents.

You yourself,' she regarded Mrs.Baxendale, 'confess that her story is very mysterious.
If we are asked to receive her, really--doesn't this occur to you ?' At this moment the door opened and amid general silence Beatrice came forward.

Mrs.Birks rose quickly and met her.

Mrs.Baxendale understood at a glance what had brought her niece here.