VI
SOME days later Mrs. Perry came to see her—greeted her without affectation of cordiality, with a square, straight look in the eyes, and said:
"I've just found out you were here. I live near by, you know."
"Yes, I know," said Teresa, perfectly at her ease.
"I have a good many people coming down to see me. Perhaps you would both come to dine some night."
"I think so—with pleasure."
"Do you like it here? Shall you stay long?"
"I don't know how long. Basil finds he can work well here. I'm sorry he happens to be in town to-day."
"Perhaps you would come on Sunday to dinner? Eight o'clock. I don't know that it will be very amusing for you—it isn't for me."
And Isabel smiled listlessly. She had changed much in the year past. She was much quieter. She sat quiet in her chair, and her long hands lay quiet in her lap. She was pale, and looked ten years older than when Teresa had seen her
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