They all take such interest in things." A little surprised at herself, Cecilia answered "Too much for me!" Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace smiled.

"I mean in art and social questions.
Surely one can't be too interested in them ?" Cecilia said rather hastily: "Oh no, of course not." And both ladies looked around them.

A buzz of conversation fell on Cecilia's ears.
"Have you seen the 'Aftermath'?
It's really quite wonderful!" "Poor old chap! he's so rococo...." "There's a new man.
"She's very sympathetic.
"But the condition of the poor....
"Is that Mr.Balladyce?
Oh, really.
"It gives you such a feeling of life.
"Bourgeois!..." The voice of Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace broke through: "But do please tell me who is that young girl with the young man looking at the picture over there.

She's quite charming!" Cecilia's cheeks went a very pretty pink.
"Oh, that's my little daughter." "Really! Have you a daughter as big as that?
Why, she must be seventeen!" "Nearly eighteen!" "What is her name ?" "Thyme," said Cecilia, with a little smile.

She felt that Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace was about to say: 'How charming!' Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace saw her smile and paused.