Page:The Europeans (1st edition) Volume 2.djvu/192

 voice was low and monotonous, like a voice that had never expressed any human passions.

"I have come to bid you good-bye," said Eugenia. "I shall soon be going away."

"When are you going away?"

"Very soon—any day."

"I am very sorry," said Mrs. Acton. "I hoped you would stay—always."

"Always?" Eugenia demanded.

"Well, I mean a long time," said Mrs. Acton, in her sweet, feeble tone. "They tell me you are so comfortable—that you have got such a beautiful little house."

Eugenia stared—that is, she smiled; she thought of her poor little chalet and she wondered whether her hostess were jesting.