They had been speaking of the last few months--not saying much--but growing into a closer sympathy with each other, as they understood how great had been their community of sorrow, than they had ever felt in the unclouded years of their girlish friendship.

It was long since Lucia had given up her fancies about Bella's marriage.

The shock of her widowhood had shaken off all the gay affectations of the bride and brought her within the comprehension of Lucia's steadier and more transparent nature.

And now that the secret which had stood so grimly between them was told, nothing remained to spoil the comfort of their intercourse.
Except its shortness.

While they talked, an occasional sentence spoken by one or other of the elder group reached their ears, and once they stopped their conversation to listen.