The old lady couldn't stand the strain of that.

And then, to have the whole thing out, she could not bear to have for a companion anyone who did not love her.

She was certain that Flora did not love her.

Why?
She couldn't say.
Moreover, she had caught the girl looking at her in a peculiar way at times.

Oh no!--it was not an evil look--it was an unusual expression which one could not understand.