Lucia tried to hide the traces of her tears, but the attempt was not particularly successful.

Mrs.Costello saw at once that something was wrong; she asked whether Maurice had been there, and was told briefly yes, but she delayed any other questions for two reasons.

One was, that merely saying that "Yes" had brought a quiver over Lucia's face, and the other, that she herself was tired and had got into a habit of dreading any kind of excitement.

She felt a presentiment that there was nothing pleasant to hear, and at the same time was quite sure that whatever there was, her daughter would be unable to keep long from her.
She allowed Lucia to carry away her bonnet and shawl, and arrange her comfortably on the sofa for a rest.

Then she began to describe her drive, and the shops at which Lady Dighton had been making various purchases.