It would surely be easy to join her, and at least to take her arm! Easy?
No! She had never done such a thing in her life with her aunt.

A peck of a kiss was the only mark of affection that they had hitherto exchanged.

Winona looked and longed to express her sympathy, but the invisible barrier seemed strong as ever.

Aunt Harriet turned aside and went towards the kitchen.

The opportunity was lost.
"How horribly we live right inside ourselves!" thought Winona.