The child's manner was not at all constrained; she was evidently behaving in her wonted way.

Her eyes wandered about the room with rather a dreamy gaze, and, as often as they fell upon her aunt's face, became very serious, though in no degree expressive of fear or even awe.
Miss Bygrave returned, and seated herself near the little girl; then remained thoughtful for some minutes.

The breath from their lips was plainly visible on the air.

Maud almost shivered now and then, but forced herself to suppress the impulse.

Her aunt presently broke the silence, speaking in a low voice, which had nothing of tenderness, but was most impressive in its earnest calm.
"I wish to speak to you before you go upstairs, Maud; to speak of things which you cannot understand fully as yet, but which you are old enough to begin to think about." Maud was surprised.