What set her talking so, was in great part the _ennui_ of endeavor after enjoyment, and the reaction from success in the pursuit.

Her low moods were, however, far more frequent than, even with such fatigue and reaction to explain them, belonged to her years, her health, or her temperament.
The fire grew hot.

Hesper thought of her complexion, and pushed her chair back.

Then she rose, and, having taken a hand-screen from the chimney-piece, was fanning herself with it, when the door opened, and a servant asked if she were at home to Mr.Helmer.She hesitated a moment: what an unearthly hour for a caller! "Show him up," she answered: anything was better than her own company.
Tom Helmer entered--much the same--a little paler and thinner.

He made his approach with a certain loose grace natural to him, and seated himself on the chair, at some distance from her own, to which Mrs.
Redmain motioned him.
Tom seldom failed of pleasing.