Page:Stella Dallas, a novel (IA stelladallasnove00prou).pdf/253

Rh she had ever felt in her life when about to meet a guest.

Stella was standing up. She had on a dark-blue tricolette suit, and wore a summer fur—white fox, fastened behind. The dead animal's head hung halfway down her back. Stella's coat was tightly buttoned, and fitted her generous bust and hips without a ripple. Her hat was large and broad-brimmed, and didn't take a veil well. Therefore she had adjusted her veil over her bare head before putting her hat on. The veil was drawn tightly over her generous cheeks and chin, and it also fitted without a ripple.

looked at nothing but Stella's eyes, as she came toward her smiling, with her hand outstretched.

"Good-morning, Mrs. Dallas," she said. "I hope the chauffeur found you."

"No, he didn't. There was quite a crowd. I walked."

"Oh, I'm sorry. It is such a warm morning. Let me send for some water." She made a movement toward the bell.

"I don't want any water." Why, her hair was snow-white on one side! She couldn't be a day under forty!

"Well, do take off your coat and unfasten your fur."

"No, thanks."

"And sit down. Let us come into the other room. It's pleasanter there."