She made of herself an embodiment, an apotheosis, rather, of poetic woe--and so, roused to emulation her mother's passion for pose.

Ross had refused to gratify them even to the extent of taking a spectator's part in their refined theatricals.

The coming of Mrs.Ranger and Adelaide gave them an audience other than servile; they proceeded to strive to rise to the opportunity.

The result of this struggle between mother and daughter was a spectacle so painful that even Ellen, determined to see only sincerity, found it impossible not to suspect a grief that could find so much and such language in which to vent itself.
She fancied she appreciated why Ross eyed his mother and sister with unconcealed hostility and spoke almost harshly when they compelled him to break his silence.
Adelaide hardly gave the two women a thought.

She was surprised to find that she was looking at Ross and thinking of him quite calmly and most critically.