She went to Meredith's side, and looked at him with a smile that was at once critical and encouraging.

Nestorius holding on to her skirts looked up to her face, and seeing the smile, smiled too.
He went further.

He turned and smiled at Joseph as if to make things pleasant all round.
Marie stooped over the sofa and her clever dusky fingers moved to the cushions.
"You will be better in bed," she said; "I will get Mr.Gordon's room made ready for you--yes ?" There are occasions when the mere presence of a woman supplies a distinct want.

She need not be clever, or very capable; she need have no great learning or experience.

She merely has to be a woman--the more womanly the better.