"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."

"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."
