Maggie Delafield was passive for the time being, because that which would make her active was no more than a tiny seedling in her heart.

The girl bid fair to be one of those women who develop late, who ripen slowly, like the best fruit.
During the drive to the opera house the two women in Etta's snug little brougham were silent.

Etta had her thoughts to occupy her.

She was at the crucial point of a difficult game.

She could not afford to allow even a friend to see so much as the corners of the cards she held.
In the luxurious box it was easily enough arranged--Etta and Paul together in front, De Chauxville and Maggie at the other corner of the box.
"I have asked my friend Karl Steinmetz to come in during the evening," said Paul to Etta when they were seated.