She puffed her cigarette, stuck her legs out, and examined Helen closely as to the character and reputation of their common friend Mrs.Raymond Parry.

By a series of little strategems she drove her to define Mrs.Parry as somewhat elderly, by no means beautiful, very much made up--an insolent old harridan, in short, whose parties were amusing because one met odd people; but Helen herself always pitied poor Mr.Parry, who was understood to be shut up downstairs with cases full of gems, while his wife enjoyed herself in the drawing-room.

"Not that I believe what people say against her--although she hints, of course--" Upon which Mrs.Flushing cried out with delight: "She's my first cousin! Go on--go on!" When Mrs.Flushing rose to go she was obviously delighted with her new acquaintances.

She made three or four different plans for meeting or going on an expedition, or showing Helen the things they had bought, on her way to the carriage.

She included them all in a vague but magnificent invitation.
As Helen returned to the garden again, Ridley's words of warning came into her head, and she hesitated a moment and looked at Rachel sitting between Hirst and Hewet.