Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/63

Rh there was a stiffness and coldness in the manners of the hostess that precluded all attempts at familiar conversation. Interested in nothing that did not immediately concern herself, she had none of that general kindliness which is so winning even in trifles. Her very politeness was chilling, for there was nothing of the heart in it. As to the children, it was impossible to extract a word from them—Mrs. Dalton muttered something about sullenness, but the old lady who had before taken their part felt tempted to say, "Why, madam, they are frightened out of their poor little wits." Lunch having been eaten and the green-house seen,—nothing now remained to supply topics of discourse or the want of them, and, after a dull quarter of an hour, the ladies rose, glad that the penance was over.

What a duty it is to cultivate a pleasant manner how many a meeting does it make cheerful which would otherwise have been stupid and formal! We do not mean by this the mere routine of polite observance, but we mean that general