Instead of answering her, he turned himself toward Mrs.Redmain, and went through a series of bows and smiles recognizant of favor, which she did not choose to see.

She turned and walked from the shop, got into the brougham, and made room for Mary at her side.
But, although the drive was a lovely one, and the view from either window delightful, and to Mary it was like getting out of a tomb to leave the shop in the middle of the day, she saw little of the sweet country on any side, so much occupied was she with Hesper.

Ere they stopped again at the shop-door, the two young women were nearer being friends than Hesper had ever been with any one.

The sleepy heart in her was not yet dead, but capable still of the pleasure of showing sweet condescension and gentle patronage to one who admired her, and was herself agreeable.

To herself she justified her kindness to Mary with the remark that _the young woman deserved encouragement_--whatever that might mean--_because she was so anxious to improve herself!_--a duty Hesper could recognize in another.
As they went, Mary told her something of her miserable relations with the Turnbulls; and, as they returned, Hesper actually--this time with perfect seriousness--proposed that she should give up business, and live with her.
Nor was this the ridiculous thing it may at first sight appear to not a few of my readers.