Once she had occasion to lecture me about living a shut-up life; she wanted me to go outdoors.

I had been repeatedly scolded and reproved on that score by other people, but I had only laughed, saying that I was too happy to change my ways.

But when Miss Dillingham spoke to me, I saw that it was a serious matter; and yet she only said a few words, and looked at me with that smile of hers that was only half a smile, and the rest a meaning.

Another time she had a great question to ask me, touching my life to the quick.

She merely put her question, and was silent; but I knew what answer she expected, and not being able to give it then, I went away sad and reproved.