"It is what I think rather than what Alice thinks that concerns my own shortcomings," said Lady Midlothian, with a smile which was intended to be pleasant. "But I have wished to make up for former lost opportunities." Alice knew that she was about to refer to her letter, and trembled. "I am very anxious now to be reckoned one of Alice Vavasor's friends, if she will allow me to become so."
"I can only be too proud,--if--"
"If what, my dear?" said the old lady. I believe that she meant to be gracious, but there was something in her manner, or, perhaps, rather in her voice, so repellant, that Alice felt that they could hardly become true friends. "If what, my dear?"
"Alice means--" began Lady Glencora.

"But I have wished to make up for lost opportunities," said Lady Midlothian. Alice knew that she was about to refer to her letter, and trembled. "I am very anxious now to be Alice Vavasor's friend, if she will allow me to become so."
"I would be glad - if-"
"If what, my dear?" said the old lady. Although she meant to be gracious, there was something repellent in her manner.
