"—I think you can get that already sized, though, and with a stencil figure if you want it—"
"—Really, it's very interesting; the first part is stupid, but she has some very good ideas."
"—Yes, at Vanoni's. But we get a reduction, you know—"
"—and, oh, listen; this is too funny; she turned around and said, very prim and stiff, 'No, indeed; I'm too old a woman.' Funny! If I think of that on my deathbed I shall laugh—"
"—and so that settled it. How could I go on after that—?"
"—Must you tack it on? The walls are so hard—"
"Let Rownie do it; she knows. Oh, here's the invalid!"
"Oh, why, it's Lloyd! We're so glad you're able to come down!"
But when they had done exclaiming over her reappearance among them Lloyd still remained as she was, her back against the door, standing very straight, her hands at her side. She did not immediately reply. Heads were turned in her direction. The talk fell away by rapid degrees as they began to notice the paleness of her face and the strange, firm set of her mouth.
"Sit down, Lloyd," said Miss Bergyn; "don't stand. You are not very well yet; I'll have Rownie bring you a glass of sherry."