Altogether they were charmed with the place, though the elder
lady said, in her pretty, careful French, that it was clear no woman's
hand was about, otherwise there would have been white curtains at the
windows besides those heavy straight folds of red. Brand said he
preferred to have plenty of light in the room; and, in fact, at this
moment the sunlight was painting squares of beautiful color on the faded
old Turkey-carpet. All this time Natalie had shown much reserve.
When the mother and daughter were in the cab together going to Edgware
Road--George Brand was off by himself to Brompton--the mother said,
"Natalushka, why was your manner so changed to Mr. Brand, after you
heard he might not be going to America?"
The girl hesitated for a moment, and her eyes were lowered.
"You see, mother," she said, with some embarrassment, "when one is in
great trouble and difficulty--and when you wish to show sympathy--then,
perhaps, you speak too plainly. You do not think of choosing very
prudent words; your heart speaks for you; and one may say things that a
girl should not be too ready to confess.
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