She looked straight ahead, keeping her eyes fastened upon a Tiffany vase which stood on a little shelf, a glow of pink and gold against a skilful background of crimson velvet.

It was as if she were having her photograph taken and had been requested by the photographer to keep her eyes fixed upon that vase.
"The detective system of New York is so lax," said Mrs.Adams.

"I do wish there was more system among them and among the police.

One would feel--" She heaved a deep sigh.
Mrs.Jonas White sobbed audibly.
"Do you not think, dear friends, that it would be a good plan to offer up our voices at the Throne of Grace for the dear child's return ?" asked Mrs.Applegate in a solemn voice, albeit somewhat diffidently.

She was a corpulent woman, and was richly dressed, in spite of her deep mourning.