She was not in sympathy with what she called new-fashioned ideas.

It was on the tip of her tongue to say so and to forget, just this once, the inevitable change in their relationship and speak like mammy once more.

But she was a timid, sensitive little woman, and the indefinable barrier that had suddenly sprung up held her back.

Joan made no attempt to meet her halfway.

The moment passed.
They went along the passage.