But they never heard her! As they really saw me, each in turn would start,
and, wide-eyed, look again. And as the awe and wonder grew in their
faces--as there came the little stop, the gasp, that told how their
reserve was for once overthrown, then, to the utmost, I tasted the sweet
of power and felt the thrill of ecstasy.
Red spots burned in Aunt's cheeks; she talked fast in her company voice,
and somehow the lace at her throat got awry. Aunt Marcia was as calm and
stately in her soft black velvet as if nothing were happening. And really
there was little to disturb one's composure. New Yorkers aren't like our
whole-souled, emotional Western folks. Not one of these women but would
have suffered torture rather than betray her surprise beyond that first
irrepressible gasp of amazement. After that one victory of human nature,
they would make talk about the weather, or the newest book, and then get
away to discuss me in undertones in the hall or drawing room.
Quickly the sixth sense of a strange agitation went through the house. I
knew what they were all talking about, thinking about. Subtle waves of
thought seemed to catch up each new comer so that she felt, without being
told, that something extraordinary was happening.
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