But as old friends also of Romayne's wife, they were bound
not to express their sentiments too openly. Feeling that any discussion
of the priest's motives would probably lead to the delicate subject of
the conversion, Mrs. Eyrecourt prudently determined to let the matter
drop. As a consequence of this decision, Stella was left without the
slightest warning of the catastrophe which was now close at hand.
Mrs. Eyrecourt joined her daughter at the window.
"Well, my dear, is it clearing up? Shall we take a drive before
luncheon?"
"If you like, mama."
She turned to her mother as she answered.
The light of the clearing sky, at once soft and penetrating, fell
full on her. Mrs. Eyrecourt, looking at her as usual, suddenly became
serious: she studied her daughter's face with an eager and attentive
scrutiny.
"Do you see any extraordinary change in me?" Stella asked, with a faint
smile.
Instead of answering, Mrs. Eyrecourt put her arm round Stella with a
loving gentleness, entirely at variance with any ordinary expression
of her character.
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