"But Miriam has no faith in me, not a jot Does she speak harshly of me to you ?" "No." Cecily shook her head, and seemed unable to speak more than the monosyllable.
"But she has nothing encouraging to say?
She shows that she looks upon me as one of whom no good can come?
That is the impression you have received from her ?" Cecily looked at him gravely.
"She has scarcely spoken of you at all--scarcely more than the few words that were inevitable." "In itself a condemnation." Cecily was mute.

Before Elgar could say anything more, the door opened.
With a sudden radiance on her features, the girl looked up to greet Mrs.Lessingham's entrance.
"How long you have been, aunt!" "Yes; I am sorry.

How do you do, Mr.Elgar?
Tea, Cecily, lest I perish!" From the doorway her quick glance had scrutinized both the young people.

Of course she betrayed no surprise; neither did she make exhibition of pleasure.

Her greeting of the visitor was gracefully casual, given in passing.