Perhaps a certain air of self-possession gave one that impression.

Kitty gazed at her first with interest and then with wonder, for she looked as smiling and happy as though she had just reached home for the holidays, instead of returning to school for the term.

She had to check her surprise while Miss Hammond introduced them and made room for Pamela at the table, but it soon returned again with double force.
"I am very glad to see you," said Pamela heartily, turning to Kitty again.

"Isn't it jolly to be back ?" "Jolly!--what!--isn't it what ?" stammered Kitty, at a loss to understand her.
Miss Hammond laughed.

"Kitty Trenire thinks it anything but jolly; her heart is miles away from here; but I hope that in time she will find something here to care for too." And even Kitty actually felt that in time perhaps she might.