But she did not know how to begin.

Naturally undemonstrative, any expression of sympathy was hard for her to make.

They had grown into very friendly relations this last month.

Warwick Hall had widened Ethelinda's horizon, until she was able to take an interest in many things now outside of her own narrow self-centred circle.
As they started to undress she managed to ask, "Well, have you sent for that watch-fob yet ?" Mary shook her head, trying hard to swallow a sob, as she bent over an open bureau drawer.

"I've decided not to order it." Then Ethelinda, putting two and two together, guessed the reason.