Katherine, who had gone to the other end of the room to look at some water-color drawings, came back and sat down beside her. Lady Alice looked amiable, but did not speak, and Katherine felt greatly at a loss what to say.
"What very fine work!" she said at length, watching the small, weak-looking hands so steadily employed.
"Yes, it is a very difficult pattern. My aunt, Lady Mary, never could manage it, and she does a great deal of crochet, and is very clever."
"It seems most complicated. I am sure I could never do it."
"Do you crochet much?"
"Not at all."
"Then," with some appearance of interest, "what do you do?"
"Oh! various things; but I am afraid I am not industrious. I would rather mend my clothes than do fancy work."
"Mend your clothes!" repeated Lady Alice, in unfeigned amazement.
"Yes. I assure you there is great pleasure in a symmetrical patch."