Marian amused her now by plunging into a description of a new flat she had passed that afternoon which would provide admirably a winter home for the Bassetts.

Mrs.Bassett shuddered, expecting her aunt to sound a warning against the extravagance of maintaining two homes; but Mrs.Owen rallied promptly to her grandniece's support.
"If you've got tired of my house, you couldn't do better than to take an apartment in the Verona.

I saw the plans before they began it, and it's first-class and up-to-date.

My house is open to you and always has been, but I notice you go to the hotel about half the time.

You'd better try a flat for a winter, Hallie, and let Marian see how we do things in town." Instantly Mrs.Bassett was alert.