They might have been actors performing for her amusement.

And yet, amusement is not precisely the word.

For that hazel eye, with its frequent smile, had not a spark of geniality.

After a time those about her found something scathing in its dry light.
Now, as soon as her husband became aware that she was watching him, his look wavered, and his mood collapsed.

He threw her a curious furtive glance, and fell silent.
"I suppose Mr.Harden and his sister remind you of your London Socialist friends, Marcella ?" asked Mrs.Boyce lightly, in the pause that followed.