Her perfunctory visits assumed a new character.

The vicarage had, of course, called promptly upon Miss Vanderpoel, after her arrival.

Mrs.Brent admired Miss Vanderpoel hugely.
"You seem so unlike an American," she said once in her most tactful, ingratiating manner--which was very ingratiating indeed.
"Do I?
What is one like when one is like an American?
I am one, you know." "I can scarcely believe it," with sweet ardour.
"Pray try," said Betty with simple brevity, and Mrs.Brent felt that perhaps Miss Vanderpoel was not really very easy to get on with.
"She meant to imply that I did not speak through my nose, and talk too much, and too vivaciously, in a shrill voice," Betty said afterwards, in talking the interview over with Rosy.

"I like to convince myself that is not one's sole national characteristic.

Also it was not exactly Mrs.
Brent's place to kindly encourage me with the information that I do not seem to belong to my own country." Lady Anstruthers laughed, and Betty looked at her inquiringly.
"You said that just like--just like an Englishwoman." "Did I ?" said Betty.
Mrs.Brent had come to talk to her because she did not wish to trouble dear Lady Anstruthers.