Looked back on, she stood out in high relief against her somewhat graceless surroundings.

Small doubt she was both maidenly and refined.

He also remembered with a sensible pleasure her brisk service, her consideration for others.

What a boon it would have been, during the past week, to have a busy, willing little woman at work, with him and for him, behind the screen! As it was, for want of a helping hand the place was like a pigsty.

He had had neither time nor energy to clean up.