Winnie was annoyed. She went up to Alice plaintively. "Oh, I'm so happy, Alice!" She wept.
Alice was still, like a warm rock. "We're happy to see you happy."
As Alice remained gruff and unmoved Winnie became more humble. "You don't look like it. Please let me be happy, Alice. I can't if—if——"
"Nonsense," Alice said.
Winnie smiled mistily at everybody.
"Come sit by me. I want to see my dear little girl." Mrs. Price disliked Alice, who remained hard and kind while Winnie cried with happiness. "You're not well, I know. Mrs. Farley wrote me. There, there. We must begin to take better care of you." Mrs. Price pulled Winnie to her. Winnie's eyes, rapacious with humility, were lifted again.
Mr. Farley came in, casting a rapid glance around the group. His smile was patient. Fear made him tired.
"Well, well—we're so—Mrs. Price." He stopped before her, not sure that she would shake hands with him. She gave him her finger tips and he took them miserably.
"Yes, I'm sure you all enjoy seeing Winnie happy," Mrs. Price said. She was cold and kind. Mr. Farley knew what she was thinking of—Helen out in Kansas City. They had spoken of the old scandal in objecting to Winnie's marriage.
"Mr. Price?"