And _that_ is no wonder." Mrs.Costello was silent for a moment.

She knew that Lucia had had another burden, especially her own, to bear, and it seemed to her that Mrs.Bellairs must know or guess something of it too.

If she did, it would be as well for her to know the exact truth.

She made up her mind at once.
"I found that it was necessary to tell her," she said, "just before Mr.
Percy went away." Mrs.Bellairs looked at her inquiringly.
"I was afraid," she answered, "that he was likely to cause you some uneasiness." "He did more than that," Mrs.Costello said.

"He gave Lucia her first hard thoughts of her mother.