With the letter I wrote a little note--I writing, as I was the woman, and both of us signing it.
To my delight, we had an answer by the next day's post, gracious and graceful, desiring us to call on her last Sunday.
So we went.

Robert let me at last, though I had a struggle for even that, the air being rather over-sharp for me.

But I represented to him that one might as well lose one's life as one's peace of mind for ever, and if I lost seeing her I should with difficulty get over it.

So I put on my respirator, smothered myself with furs, and, in a close carriage, did not run much risk after all.
She received us very kindly, with hand stretched out, which I, with a natural emotion (I assure you my heart beat), stooped and kissed, when she said quickly, 'Mais non, je ne veux pas,' and kissed my lips.

She is somewhat large for her height--not tall--and was dressed with great nicety in a sort of grey serge gown and jacket, made after the ruling fashion just now, and fastened up to the throat, plain linen collarette and sleeves.