Her bearing and mode of speech were of that kind which, in a man, would be called devil-may-care.

Was it a result of student-life?
If her stinted allowance had already produced effects such as this, Mrs Frothingham was justified in uneasiness.
He turned to Miss Leach, and with her talked exclusively for some minutes.

As soon as civility permitted, he would rise and make his escape.

Alma, the while, chatted with the younger sister, whom she addressed as 'Gerda'.

Then the door opened, and Mrs.Frothingham came in, wearing her out-of-doors and gave him cordial welcome, though in few and nervous costume; she fixed her eyes on Rolfe with a peculiar intensity, words.
'I am no longer alone, you see.' She threw a swift side-glance at Alma.
'It is a great pleasure.' 'Does it rain still, Mamma ?' asked Alma in a high voice.
'Not just now, my dear; but it's very disagreeable.' 'Then I'll walk with you to the station.' She addressed the sisters.
'Dora and Gerda can't stay; they have an appointment at five o'clock.
They'll come again in a day or two.' After the leave-takings, and when Alma, with a remark that she would not be long, had closed the door behind her, Mrs.Frothingham seated herself and began to draw off her gloves.