"I abhor crowds.

They--they excite me, in some way, and I--I can't bear them.

You must excuse me." Beth looked at the strange girl without taking the hint to retire.
Somehow, she could not rid herself of the impression that whether or not she was mistaken in supposing Eliza to be the missing Lucy, she had stumbled upon a sphinx whose riddle was well worth solving.
But Eliza bore the scrutiny with quiet unconcern.

She even seemed mildly amused at the attention she attracted.

Beth was a beautiful girl--the handsomest of the three cousins, by far; yet Eliza surpassed her in natural charm, and seemed well aware of the fact.