She might have been able to construe silence as sympathy.

Linda's laughter she knew exactly how to interpret.

"Served you right," was what it meant.
"I hadn't the least notion you would take an interest in anything concerning me," she said.

"People can talk all they please about Mary Louise Whiting being a perfect lady but she is a perfect beast.

I have met her repeatedly and she has always ignored me, and yesterday she singled out for her special attention the most desirable man in my party--" "'Most desirable,'" breathed Linda.