When they reached the boudoir, rightly so called, for it was more in use for _sulking_ than for anything else, Lady Margaret, with back as straight as the door she had just closed, led the way to the fire, and, seating herself, motioned Hesper to a chair.
Hesper again obeyed, looking as unconcerned as if she cared for nothing in this world or in any other.

Would we were all as strong to suppress hate and fear and anxiety as some ladies are to suppress all show of them! Such a woman looks to me like an automaton, in which a human soul, somewhere concealed, tries to play a good game of life, and makes a sad mess of it.
"Well, Hesper, what do you think ?" said her mother, with a dull attempt at gayety, which could nowise impose upon the experience of her daughter.
"I think nothing, mamma," drawled Hesper.
"Mr.Redmain has come to the point at last, my dear child." "What point, mamma ?" "He had a private interview with your father this morning." "Indeed!" "Foolish girl! you think to tease me by pretending indifference!" "How can a fact be pretended, mamma?
Why should I care what passes in the study?
I was never welcome there.

But, if you wish, I will pretend.
What important matter was settled in the study this morning ?" "Hesper, you provoke me with your affectation!" Hesper's eyes began to flash.

Otherwise she was still--silent--not a feature moved.

The eyes are more untamable than the tongue.