This could only be covert notice that Sylvia was to be installed in the Delaware Street house.

Marian was engaging her father in debate upon the merits of her plan, fortified by Mrs.Owen's unexpected approval.

Mrs.Bassett raised her eyes to Sylvia.
Sylvia, in one of the white gowns with which she relieved her mourning, tranquilly unconscious of the dark terror she awakened in Mrs.Bassett, seemed to be sympathetically interested in the Bassetts' transfer to the capital.
Sylvia was guilty of the deplorable sin of making herself agreeable to every one.

She had paused on the way to her room before dinner to proffer assistance to Mrs.Bassett.With a light, soothing touch she had brushed the invalid's hair and dressed it; and she had produced a new kind of salts that proved delightfully refreshing.

Since coming to the table Mrs.Bassett had several times detected her husband in an exchange of smiles with the young woman, and Marian and the usurper got on famously.
Mrs.Bassett had observed that Sylvia's appetite was excellent, and this had weakened her belief in the girl's genius; there was a good deal of Early-Victorian superstition touching women in Hallie Bassett! But Mrs.
Owen was speaking.
"I suppose I'd see less of you all if you moved to town.