Very lightly and gracefully she talked about it, so lightly and gracefully that Miss Halifax obtained an impression which she has never lost, that journalism for a woman had ideal attractions, and privately resolved if ever she were thrown upon the bleak world to take it up.

As the others turned toward them again Elfrida noticed the conscience-stricken glance which Kendal gave to the tea-tray.
"Oh," she said, with a slight enhancement of her pretty Parisian gurgle, "I am very guilty--you must allow me to say that I am very guilty indeed! Mr.Kendal did not expect to see me to-day, and in his surprise he permitted me to eat up all the cakes! I am so sorry! Are there no more--anywhere ?" she asked Kendal, with such a gay pretence of tragic grief that they all laughed together.
She went away then, and while they waited for a fresh supply of tea, Kendal did his best to satisfy the curiosity of the Halifaxes about her.

He was so more than thankful she had convinced them that she was a person about whom it was proper to be curious..