She received from her no direct offense, except the offense of her uninvited presence; but the presence meant service, and so could not be resented.

And Mrs.Belcher could be of so much service to her! Her life was so lonely--so meaningless! It would be such a joy to her, in a city full of shams, to have one friend who would take her good offices, and so help to give to her life a modicum of significance! After a full survey of the rooms, and a discussion of the beauties and elegancies of the establishment, they all descended to the dining-room, and, in response to Mrs.Dillingham's order, were served with tea.
"You really must excuse me, Mrs.Belcher," said the beautiful lady deprecatingly, "but I have been here for a week, and it seems so much like my own home, that I ordered the tea without thinking that I am the guest and you are the mistress." "Certainly, and I am really very much obliged to you;" and then feeling that she had been a little untrue to herself, Mrs.Belcher added bluntly: "I feel myself in a very awkward situation--obliged to one on whom I have no claim, and one whom I can never repay." "The reward of a good deed is in the doing, I assure you," said Mrs.
Dillingham, sweetly.

"All I ask is that you make me serviceable to you.
I know all about the city, and all about its ways.

You can call upon me for anything; and now let's talk about the house.

Isn't it lovely ?" "Yes," said Mrs.Belcher, "too lovely.