The other was thin, with cold, gray eyes, a pursed-up mouth, thin lips, who had never succeeded in winning the affection of anyone.

True, she had married, but her husband was attracted by a small sum of money which she possessed, and which had been reported to him as much larger than it really was.
When asked if she wished to speak, Mrs.Hill coughed.
"There's a matter I think I ought to speak of," she said, "but it is painful for me to do so." "Why is it painful ?" asked Mrs.Hamilton, eyeing her steadily.
"Because my motives may be misconstrued.

Then, I fear it will give you pain." "Pain is sometimes salutary.

Has Conrad displeased you ?" "No, indeed!" answered Mrs.Hill, half indignantly.

"My boy is a great comfort to me." "I am glad to hear it," said Mrs.Hamilton dryly.
For her own part, Mrs.Hamilton thought her cousin's son one of the least attractive young people she had ever met, and save for a feeling of pity, and the slight claims of relationship, would not have been willing to keep him in the house.
"I don't see why you should have judged so ill of my poor Conrad," complained Mrs.Hill.
"I am glad you are so well pleased with him.