They thought they ought
to encourage her, now that she had made a start in the right direction;
the Old Lady liked their cordiality, and liked it none the less
because she detected in it the same unconscious respect and deference
she had been wont to receive in the old days--a respect and deference
which her personality compelled from all who approached her.
The Old Lady was surprised to find that she could command it still,
in defiance of unfashionable bonnet and ancient attire.
Janet Moore and Sylvia Gray walked home from church together.
"Did you see Old Lady Lloyd out to-day?" asked Janet. "I was amazed
when she walked in. She has never been to church in my recollection.
What a quaint old figure she is! She's very rich, you know,
but she wears her mother's old clothes and never gets a new thing.
Some people think she is mean; but," concluded Janet charitably,
"I believe it is simply eccentricity."
"I felt that was Miss Lloyd as soon as I saw her,
although I had never seen her before," said Sylvia dreamily.
"I have been wishing to see her--for a certain reason.
She has a very striking face. I should like to meet her--
to know her."
"I don't think it's likely you ever will," said Janet carelessly.
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