Cicely, too, was satisfactory.

She was a most attractive little thing, pretty to a dangerous extent, but in her treatment of Ralph there was not the least sign of flirtation or demureness.

She was as free and familiar with him as if she had known him always.
"Men are not apt to marry the girls they have known always," said Miss Panney to herself, "and Dora can do better than this one if she has but the chance; and the chance she must have." While listening with the most polite attention to a reminiscence related by Mrs.Drane, Miss Panney earnestly considered this subject.

She had thought of many plans, some of them vague, but all of the same general character, for bringing Dora and Miriam together and promoting a sisterly affection between them, for her mind had been busy with the subject since Miriam had left her alone on the piazza, but none of the plans suited her.

They were clumsy and involved too much action on the part of Dora.
Suddenly a satisfying idea shot into the old lady's mind, and she smiled so pleasantly that Mrs.Drane was greatly encouraged, and entered into some details of her reminiscence which she had intended to omit, thinking they might prove tiresome.
"If they only could go away together, somewhere," said Miss Panney to herself, "that would be grand; that would settle everything.