It would be so pleasant for Robert." Eugenia wondered what she meant by its being pleasant for Robert; but she felt that she would never know what such a woman as that meant.
She got up; she was afraid Mrs.Acton would tell her again that she was dying.

"Good-by, dear madame," she said.

"I must remember that your strength is precious." Mrs.Acton took her hand and held it a moment.

"Well, you have been happy here, have n't you?
And you like us all, don't you?
I wish you would stay," she added, "in your beautiful little house." She had told Eugenia that her waiting-woman would be in the hall, to show her down-stairs; but the large landing outside her door was empty, and Eugenia stood there looking about.

She felt irritated; the dying lady had not "la main heureuse." She passed slowly down-stairs, still looking about.