In vain did her friend strive with her.

Argument, remonstrance, persuasion, only seemed to bring greater obscurity and to excite a more bitter feeling in her mind.

And so, despairing of any good result, Rose withdrew, and left her with her own unhappy thoughts.
Not long after Miss Carman retired, Emerson came in.

At the sound of his approaching footsteps, Irene had, with a strong effort, composed herself and swept back the deeper shadows from her face.
"Not ready yet ?" he said, in a pleasant, half-chiding way.

"The carriages will be at the door in ten minutes." "I am not going to ride out," returned Irene, in a quiet, seemingly indifferent tone of voice.