Rather to her surprise, Mary found herself making conversation with William about old Italian pictures, while Katharine poured out tea, cut cake, kept William's plate supplied, without joining more than was necessary in the conversation.

She seemed to have taken possession of Mary's room, and to handle the cups as if they belonged to her.

But it was done so naturally that it bred no resentment in Mary; on the contrary, she found herself putting her hand on Katharine's knee, affectionately, for an instant.

Was there something maternal in this assumption of control?
And thinking of Katharine as one who would soon be married, these maternal airs filled Mary's mind with a new tenderness, and even with awe.

Katharine seemed very much older and more experienced than she was.
Meanwhile Rodney talked.