[The Odd Women by George Gissing]@TWC D-Link bookThe Odd Women CHAPTER XII 4/32
I suppose my coachman will find the place.' There was an awkward silence.
Widdowson was about to say something to Monica, when Mrs.Luke, who had again closely observed the girl through the glasses, interposed in a gentle tone. 'Do you like this neighbourhood, Miss Madden ?' Monica gave the expected answer, her voice sounding very weak and timid by comparison.
And so, for some ten minutes, an appearance of dialogue was sustained.
Mrs.Luke, though still condescending, evinced a desire to be agreeable; she smiled and nodded in reply to the girl's remarks, and occasionally addressed Virginia with careful civility, conveying the impression, perhaps involuntarily, that she commiserated the shy and shabbily-dressed person.
Tea was brought in, and after pretending to take a cup, she rose for departure. 'Perhaps you will come and see me some day, Miss Madden,' fell from her with unanticipated graciousness, as she stepped forward to the girl and offered her hand.
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