She showed that oblique-mannered softness which is perhaps most frequent in women of darker complexion and more lymphatic temperament than Mrs.Charmond's was; who lingeringly smile their meanings to men rather than speak them, who inveigle rather than prompt, and take advantage of currents rather than steer.
"I am the most inactive woman when I am here," she said.

"I think sometimes I was born to live and do nothing, nothing, nothing but float about, as we fancy we do sometimes in dreams.

But that cannot be really my destiny, and I must struggle against such fancies." "I am so sorry you do not enjoy exertion--it is quite sad! I wish I could tend you and make you very happy." There was something so sympathetic, so appreciative, in the sound of Grace's voice, that it impelled people to play havoc with their customary reservations in talking to her.

"It is tender and kind of you to feel that," said Mrs.Charmond.

"Perhaps I have given you the notion that my languor is more than it really is.