“It will give me great pleasure to know you better, and you may look to seeing me right early,” was the bland reply.  And yet Mrs. Emerson was not really attracted by this woman, but, on the contrary, repelled.  There was something in her keen, searching eyes, which seemed to be looking right into the thoughts, that gave her a feeling of doubt.

“Thank you.  The favor will be all on my side,” said Mrs. Lloyd, as she held the hand of Mrs. Emerson and gave it a warm pressure.

The visit of these ladies did not leave the mind of Irene in a very satisfactory state.  Some things that were said she rejected, while other things lingered and occasioned suggestions which were not favorable to her husband.  While she had no wish to be present at Mrs. Talbot’s on account of Major Willard, she was annoyed by the thought that Hartley’s fixing on the next evening for her to go out with him was to prevent her attendance at the weekly conversazione.

Irene did not mention to her husband the fact that she bad received a visit from Mrs. Talbot, in company with a pleasant stranger, Mrs. Lloyd.  It would have been far better for her if she had done so.  Many times it was on her lips to mention the call, but as often she kept silent, one or the other of two considerations having influence.  Hartley did not like Mrs. Talbot, and therefore the mention of her name, and the fact of her calling, would not be pleasant theme.  The other consideration had reference to a woman’s independence.

“He doesn’t tell me of every man he meets through the day, and why should I feel under obligation to speak of every lady who calls?” So she thought.  “As to Mrs. Lloyd, he would have a hundred prying question’s to ask, as if I we not competent to judge of the character of my own friends and acquaintances?”

Within a week the call of Mrs. Lloyd was reciprocated by Mrs. Emerson; not in consequence of feeling drawn toward that lady, but she had promised to return the friendly visit, and must keep her word.  She found her domiciliated in a fashionable boarding-house, and was received in the common parlor, in which were two or three ladies and a gentleman, besides Mrs. Lloyd.  The greeting she received was warm, almost affectionate.  In spite of the prejudice that was creeping into her mind in consequence of an unfavorable first impression, Mrs. Emerson was flattered by her reception, and before the termination of her visit she was satisfied that she had not, in the beginning, formed a right estimate of this really fascinating woman.

“I hope to see you right soon,” she said, as she bade Mrs. Lloyd good-morning.  “It will not be my fault if we do not soon know each other better.”

“Nor mine either,” replied Mrs. Lloyd.  “I think I shall find you just after my own heart.”

The voice of Mrs. Lloyd was a little raised as she said this, and Mrs. Emerson noticed that a gentleman who was in the parlor when she entered, but to whom she had not been introduced, turned and looked at her with a steady, curious gaze, which struck her at the time as being on the verge of impertinence.