Her own gaze had a beautiful solemnity, a devout admiration, of which it was impossible to doubt the genuineness; Beatrice, observing it, smiled very slightly before turning away again.
A quarter of an hour after, Emily withdrew.

Mrs.Rossall played a little, and talk of an idle kind followed.

Wilfrid was not disposed to take his usual part in conversation, and his casual remarks were scarcely ever addressed to Beatrice.

Presently Mrs.Rossall wished to refer to the 'Spectator,' which contained a criticism of a new pianist of whom there was much talk just then.
'Have you had it, Wilf ?' Mr.Athel asked, after turning over a heap of papers in vain.
'Oh, the "Spectator,"' Wilfrid replied, rousing himself from absentness.
'Yes, I had it in the summer-house just before dinner; I believe I left it there.

Shall I fetch it ?' 'It would serve you right if I said yes,' admonished Mrs.Rossall.