"She is the most beautiful woman I ever met."
"How did Mr. Hammond receive her?"
"Her visit evidently annoys him, but he gave me no explanation of the matter, which I confess puzzles me. I should suppose her society would cheer and interest him."
"Oh, pooh! Talk of what you understand. She surely has not come here to live?"
"I think he fears she has. She is very poor."
Mrs. Murray set her teeth together and muttered something which her companion did not understand.
"Edna, is she handsomer than Estelle?"
"Infinitely handsomer, I think. Indeed, they are so totally unlike it would be impossible to compare them. Your niece is very fine-looking, very commanding; Mrs. Powell is beautiful."
"But she is no longer young. She has a grown daughter."
"True; but in looking at her you do not realize it. Did you never see her?"