Mr.Emerson, on the contrary, liked neither her nor her sentiments, and considered her a dangerous friend for his wife.

He expressed himself freely in regard to her at the commencement of the intimacy; but Irene took her part so warmly, and used such strong language in her favor, that Emerson deemed it wisest not to create new sentiments in her favor out of opposition to himself.
Within a week from that memorable Christmas day on which Irene came back from Ivy Cliff, Mrs.Talbot, who had taken a fancy to the spirited, independent, undisciplined wife of Emerson, called in to see her new friend.

Irene received her cordially.

She was, in fact, of all her acquaintances, the one she most desired to meet.
"I'm right glad you thought of making me a call," said Mrs.Emerson, as they sat down together.

"I've felt as dull all the morning as an anchorite." "You dull!" Mrs.Talbot affected surprise, as she glanced round the tasteful room in which they were sitting.