But the loneliness of her life had developed in her a sensitiveness which could not endure situations such as the present; difficulties which are of small account to people who take their part in active social life, harassed her to the destruction of all peace.

Dora was not long in noticing the dejected mood which had come upon her friend.
'What's troubling you, Marian ?' 'Something I can hardly bear to speak of.

Perhaps it will be the end of your friendship for me, and I should find it very hard to go back to my old solitude.' The girls gazed at her, in doubt at first whether she spoke seriously.
'What can you mean ?' Dora exclaimed.

'What crime have you been committing ?' Maud, who leaned with her elbows on the table, searched Marian's face curiously, but said nothing.
'Has Mr Milvain shown you the new number of The Current ?' Marian went on to ask.
They replied with a negative, and Maud added: 'He has nothing in it this month, except a review.' 'A review ?' repeated Marian in a low voice.
'Yes; of somebody's novel.' 'Markland's,' supplied Dora.
Marian drew a breath, but remained for a moment with her eyes cast down.
'Do go on, dear,' urged Dora.

'Whatever are you going to tell us ?' 'There's a notice of father's book,' continued the other, 'a very ill-natured one; it's written by the editor, Mr Fadge.