How could I restore matters to their former basis?
Idly I glanced out of the side window I was passing, and the view of the adjoining house I thus gained acted like an inspiration.

I would test her on a new topic, in the hope of reintroducing the old.

The glimpse I had gained into Mrs.Packard's mind must not be lost quite as soon as this.
"You asked me a moment ago if I were ever nervous," I began, as I regained my seat at her side.

"I replied, 'Sometimes'; but I might have said if I had not feared being too abrupt, 'Never till I came into this house.'" Her surprise partook more of curiosity than I expected.
"You are nervous here," she repeated.

"What is the reason of that, pray?
Has Ellen been chattering to you?
I thought she knew enough not to do that.