Attentions of this sort Mrs. Pryor would not have accepted from everyone. In general, she recoiled from touch or close approach, with a mixture of embarrassment and coldness far from flattering to those who offered her aid. To Miss Helstone’s little light hand, however, she yielded tractably, and seemed soothed by its contact. In a few minutes she ceased to tremble, and grew quiet and tranquil.
Her usual manner being resumed, she proceeded to talk of ordinary topics. In a miscellaneous company Mrs. Pryor rarely opened her lips; or, if obliged to speak, she spoke under restraint, and consequently not well. In dialogue she was a good converser; her language, always a little formal, was well chosen; her sentiments were just; her information was varied and correct. Caroline felt it pleasant to listen to her: more pleasant than she could have anticipated.
On the wall opposite the sofa where they sat hung three pictures: the centre one, above the mantelpiece, that of a lady, the two others male portraits.
‘That is a beautiful face,’ said Mrs. Pryor, interrupting a brief pause which had followed half an hour’s animated conversation. ‘The features may be termed perfect—no statuary’s chisel could improve them. It is a portrait from the life, I presume?’
‘It is a portrait of Mrs. Helstone.’
‘Of Mrs. Matthewson Helstone? Of your uncle’s wife?’
‘It is, and is said to be a good likeness. Before her marriage she was accounted the beauty of the district.’
‘I should say she merited the distinction. What accuracy in all the lineaments! It is, however, a passive face: the original could not have been what is generally termed “a woman of spirit.” ’
‘I believe she was a remarkably still, silent person.’
‘One would scarcely have expected, my dear, that your uncle’s choice should have fallen on a partner of that description. Is he not fond of being amused by lively chat?’
‘In company he is; but he always says he could never do with a talking wife: he must have quiet at home. You go out to gossip, he affirms; you come home to read and reflect.’
‘Mrs. Matthewson lived but a few years after her marriage, I think I have heard?’
‘About five years.’
‘Well, my dear,’ pursued Mrs. Pryor, rising to go, ‘I trust it is understood that you will frequently come to Fieldhead; I hope you will. You must feel lonely here, having no female relative in the house. You must necessarily pass much of your time in solitude.’
‘I am inured to it; I have grown up by myself. May I arrange your shawl for you?’
Mrs. Pryor submitted to be assisted.
‘Should you chance to require help in your studies,’ she said, ‘you may command me.’
Caroline expressed her sense of such kindness.
‘I hope to have frequent conversations with you. I should wish to be of use to you.’
Again Miss Helstone returned thanks. She thought what a kind heart was hidden under her visitor’s seeming chilliness. Observing that Mrs. Pryor again glanced with an air of interest towards the portraits as she walked down the room, Caroline casually explained: