"That is for yourself to determine. Why should we talk of it?"
Looking up, Cecily found the other's eyes again fixed on her. It was as though this strange gaze were meant to be a reply.
"Would it not be better," she continued, "if we didn't speak of these things? If it could do any good—But surely it cannot."
"Sympathy is good—offered or received."
"I do sympathize with you in your difficulties."
"But you do not care to receive mine," replied Mrs. Travis, in an undertone.
Cecily gazed at her with changed eyes, inquiring, offended, fearful.
"What need have I of your sympathy, Mrs. Travis?" she asked distantly.
"None, I see," answered the other, with a scarcely perceptible smile.
"I don't understand you. Please let us never talk in this way again."