Mrs.Quarrier would be at home from ten to twelve the next morning.
Again she called, and Lilian received her in the small drawing-room.
They looked at each other with earnest faces, Lilian wondering whether this visit had anything to do with the election.

Serena was nervous, and could not reply composedly to the ordinary phrases of politeness with which she was received.

And yet the phrases were not quite ordinary; whomsoever she addressed, Lilian spoke with a softness, a kindness peculiar to herself, and chose words which seemed to have more than the common meaning.
The visitor grew sensible of this pleasant characteristic, and at length found voice for her intention.
"I wished to see you for a very strange reason, Mrs.Quarrier.I feel half afraid that I may even offend you.

You will think me very strange indeed." Lilian trembled.

The old dread awoke in her.