"
"You know how to talk nicely to people, and you know how to sit
down and rise from your chair and move about a room like a quiet
young lady. You dance like a fairy. You won't be asked to do
anything more."
"The Duchess," reflected Robin aloud slowly, "would not let me
come downstairs if she did not know that people would--be kind."
"Lady Kathryn and Lord Halwyn are coming. They are her own
grandchildren," Dowie said.
"How did you know that?" Robin inquired.
Robin's colour began to come back.
"It's not what usually happens to girls in situations," she said.
"Her grace herself isn't what usually happens," said Dowie. "There
is no one like her for high wisdom and kindness."
Having herself awakened to the truth of this confidence-inspiring
fact, Robin felt herself supported by it. One knew what
far-sighted perception and clarity of experienced vision this one
woman had gained during her many years of life. If she had elected
to do this thing she had seen her path clear before her and was not
offering a gift which awkward chance might spoil or snatch away
from the hand held out to receive it. A curious slow warmth began
to creep about Robin's heart and in its mounting gradually fill
her being. It was true she had been taught to dance, to move about
and speak prettily. She had been taught a great many things which
seemed to be very carefully instilled into her mind and body without
any special reason.
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