“Ah, you Americans are a happy lot and may go where you please. Take this seat by the window; it is very warm. My son has been in America, but he tells us so little, we are none the wiser for that, about your part of the world.”

“I knew him in America. That is why I called.”

“Yes?” The mother bent forward and regarded her curiously, attentively.

“He lived very near us. He did a great deal of good — among the poor.” She put her hand to her slender white throat, then dropped it again in her lap. Then, looking in Lady Thryng’s eyes, she said: “I have seen your picture. I should have known you from that, but you are more beautiful.”

“Oh! That can hardly be, my dear! It was taken many years ago, you know.”