For all that, she found opportunity once or twice to exchange thoughts with him.
Indeed, in the course of the two hours, she gave him quite a lesson how to speak with the eye--an art in which he was a mere child compared with her.
She conveyed to him that she saw his mother and recognized her; and also she hoped to know her.
But some of her telegrams puzzled him.
When the gentlemen came up after dinner, she asked him if he would not present her to his mother.
"Oh, thank you!" said he, naively; and introduced them to each other.
The ladies courtesied with grace, but a certain formality, for they both felt the importance of the proceeding, and were a little on their guard.
But they had too many safe, yet interesting topics, to be very long at a loss.
"I should have known you by your picture, Mrs.Little." "Ah, then I fear it must be faded since I saw it last." "I think not.

But I hope you will soon judge for yourself." Mrs.Little shook her head.

Then she said, graciously, "I hear it is to you I am indebted that people can see I was once--what I am not now." Grace smiled, well pleased.

"Ah," said she, "I wish you could have seen that extraordinary scene, and heard dear Mr.Raby.Oh, madam, let nothing make you believe you have no place in his great heart!" "Pray, pray, do not speak of that.

This is no place.