She was so old, so feeble and so, evidently the prey of some strange and fixed idea.

What idea?
It was not for me to say, but I found it impossible to make any move which would seem to shut her out; so I left the shade up; but her image followed me and I forgot it only when confronted once again with Mrs.
Packard.
That lady was awaiting me at the dining-room door.

She had succeeded in throwing off her secret depression and smiled quite naturally as I approached.

Her easy, courteous manners became her wonderfully.

I immediately recognized how much there was to admire in our mayor's wife, and quite understood his relief when, a few minutes later, we sat at table and conversation began.