Colwood, however, showed no further melancholy. She was full of
admiration for the beauty of the frosty morning, the trees touched with
rime, the browns and purples of the distant woods. She spoke shyly, but
winningly, of the comfort of her room, and the thoughtfulness with which
Miss Mallory had arranged it; she could not say enough of the
picturesqueness of the house. Yet there was nothing fulsome in her
praise. She had the gift which makes the saying of sweet and flattering
things appear the merest simplicity. They escaped her whether she would
or no--that at least was the impression; and Diana found it agreeable.
So agreeable that before they had been ten minutes at table Miss
Mallory, in response, was conscious on her own part of an unusually
strong wish to please her new companion--to make a good effect. Diana,
indeed, was naturally governed by the wish to please. She desired above
all things to be liked--that is, if she could not be loved. Mrs.
Colwood brought with her a warm and favoring atmosphere. Diana unfolded.
* * * * *
In the course of this first exploratory conversation, it appeared that
the two ladies had many experiences in common.
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