Mrs. Stillwater, sitting near the elder lady by the fire, shook her head dolefully. "Her color's not as high as it used to be. I suppose it's living in these dark, musty rooms. And she's used to flying about in the open air."
"Mother!" exclaimed Indiana.
"What is it, Indiana?" answered Mrs. Stillwater, starting.
Indiana gave her a warning glance. "You don't take sugar, do you?"
"No, dear," answered Mrs. Stillwater, quite oblivious to the glance, "Don't wait on me. Shall I pour the tea?"
"Sit down, dear Mrs. Stillwater," said Lady Canning. "Indiana always does her duty as mistress of the house. No doubt you miss her very much. I can understand that."
"I'll tell you frankly, I was very much against it, she's the only one we have. I begged her not to do it. I even warned Thurston against her. One must give in to Indiana in order to get along with her, and, living with a mother-in-law, I was afraid of it."
Lady Canning laughed quietly.
"Mother!" exclaimed Indiana.
"Yes, dear," answered Mrs. Stillwater. She went over to Indiana and bent over her.